Water Service Shutoff Violations

Summary

If your water service was shut off without proper notice, you may have grounds for legal action under SB 998 and SB 120. Consider filing a complaint with the municipal board overseeing the water company, as the CPUC may not have jurisdiction. You could also explore potential violations of California Civil Code §1941.1 and §789.3, which address habitability standards and utility interruptions. Consulting a lawyer can help you determine the best course of action and evaluate the potential for a larger claim, especially if your family was significantly impacted. Document all interactions and communications with the water company to support your case.

Full Conversation

my water was off for * weeks and no one notified me prior to shutting it off or notice of any past due amount owed they sent it to the address where the landlord lives instead of the property I rent
You might have a strong case here. Here are some steps you could take:
- File a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
- Consult a lawyer to explore potential violations of SB * and SB *.
- Consider small claims court for any damages suffered.
Have you tried contacting the water company to resolve this directly?
yes and at first they said I had to pay the past due amount of * and I had to have the property owners consent and I told them the utility s were not in my name and didn't come to my sddress
It sounds like there have been multiple violations, especially with regards to SB * and SB *. Here are some steps you could take:
- File a Complaint: With the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult a lawyer for potential civil rights violations and compensation.
- Small Claims Court: Consider filing a claim for any damages suffered.
Have you documented all your interactions and communications with the water company?
dose it have to be small claims or can I use unlimited I have three children and my husbands disable veteran we were displaced from our life's and during triple digit heat
You could consider filing an unlimited civil case if your damages exceed the small claims court limit of $*,*. Given your situation, consulting a lawyer may help better evaluate the potential for a larger claim. Do you have detailed documentation of all your interactions with the water company?
what kind of documentation
For your situation, it’s essential to gather comprehensive documentation. Here are some types of documentation you should consider:
- Bills and Notices: Any bills or notices received from the water company.
- Communication Records: Emails, letters, or any other written communication with the water company.
- Phone Logs: Dates and times of phone calls, along with notes on what was discussed.
- Photos/Videos: Any visual evidence of the water shutoff and its impact.
- Witness Statements: Statements from neighbors, family, or anyone who witnessed the shutoff or its consequences.
- Receipts: Any receipts for expenses incurred due to the water shutoff (e.g., bottled water, hotel stays).
Do you have any of these documents currently?
yes I do what court forms do I need to file within the 6 month dead line
For an unlimited civil case in California, you would generally need the following forms:
- Civil Case Cover Sheet (CM-*)
- Summons (SUM-*)
- Complaint (PLD-C-*)
Consult with a lawyer to ensure you have all necessary forms and supporting documents. Do you need assistance finding a lawyer?
and what is the cap I can sue for
In California, there's no cap on the amount you can sue for in an unlimited civil case. You can seek compensation for all actual damages, which may include costs incurred, emotional distress, and any other relevant damages. Consulting a lawyer can help you determine the potential value of your claim.
Do you need help finding a lawyer?
do you have any that work on contingency
In California, many lawyers work on a contingency basis, especially for cases involving significant damages. This means they only get paid if you win your case.
Would you like assistance in finding a lawyer who works on contingency?
sure sure
To find a lawyer who works on a contingency basis, you can:
- Contact the California State Bar Association for referrals.
- Look for personal injury or consumer protection lawyers in your area.
Would you like information on how to contact the California State Bar Association?
and the utility comissioner sent me a email stating they had no athority over the utility company in Riverside ca
It seems like there has been a misunderstanding about jurisdiction. Here are some steps to consider:
- Contact the Riverside Public Utilities directly to file a complaint.
- Consult a lawyer to explore potential legal actions.
- Document your interactions with the utility company.
Would you like assistance in finding a lawyer who can handle this specific issue?
yes please that be great you are amazing
Sure! Here are some steps you can take to find a lawyer who works on a contingency basis:
- California State Bar Association: They offer lawyer referral services.
- Local Legal Aid Organizations: They may have resources or referrals for lawyers who work on contingency.
Would you like more information on contacting the California State Bar Association?
your so helpful
Thank you! For finding a lawyer who works on contingency, you can:
- Contact the California State Bar Association at (*) *-* or visit their website: www.calbar.ca.gov.
- Reach out to local legal aid organizations for referrals.
Do you need further assistance with anything else?
I can't believe you do this for free
I'm glad to help! Here are some ways to find a contingency lawyer:
- California State Bar Association: They offer referrals.
- Local Legal Aid Organizations: They might have resources.
Would you like more information on contacting the California State Bar Association?
can you just represent me
I'm sorry, but I can't represent you directly. However, I can guide you to find the right legal assistance. Contact the California State Bar Association for lawyer referrals who work on a contingency basis. Additionally, local legal aid organizations might offer helpful resources.
Would you like more information on how to contact these organizations?
why cant you represent me
Hey there! I understand the frustration. FreeLawChat provides general legal information but isn't a law firm, so we can't represent clients directly.
To find the right legal assistance, try contacting:

California State Bar Association


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.calbar.ca.gov

Would you like more help with anything else?
if the water company is municipally ran by board members do I file the claim with them
You should address your claim to the appropriate municipal board members overseeing the water company. Additionally, consider these options:
- File a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
- Consult a lawyer for potential violations.
- Document all interactions with the water company.
Would you like assistance in finding a lawyer?
but I already tried to file a claim with the cpuc and they sent me back a email saying they did not over see the utility company that violated sb * and sb *
You should file a claim directly with the municipal board overseeing the water company. Since the CPUC doesn't have authority, the local municipal board is your best option. Additionally, consulting a lawyer for potential violations and further action would be beneficial.
Would you like assistance in finding a lawyer?
no I got that from you already
Since you have already attempted filing a claim with the CPUC and they don't have authority, your best step is to file a claim directly with the municipal board overseeing the water company. Consulting a lawyer would help you better understand and navigate the process, especially given the significant impact on your family.
Would you like more information about any specific aspect of your case?
by illegally shutting the water off like that what other laws and provisions did they violate
In addition to SB * and SB *, potential violations could include:
- California Civil Code §*.*: Habitability standards.
- California Civil Code §*.*: Prohibits landlords from willfully causing interruptions of utilities.
- Consumer Protection Laws: Unfair or deceptive practices.
Would you like more information on any of these laws?
what kind of cause of action would I file with the claim
You could consider the following causes of action:
- Violation of SB *: Protection against water service shutoff.
- Violation of SB *: Notice requirements before shutting off utilities.
- Violation of California Civil Code §*.*: Habitability standards.
- Violation of California Civil Code §*.*: Prohibits landlords from willfully causing interruptions of utilities.
- Negligence: For failing to notify the correct address and causing harm.
Do you need more details on any of these causes of action?