Landlords are required to follow the state’s unlawful detainer procedure when evicting a tenant. In addition, a landlord is prevented from using self-help measures like locking out a tenant in order to remove a tenant from a residence. Landlords that fail to follow this specific procedure may be liable for damages. Depending on what part of the state you live, you may find a variety of resources available to help you with a wrongful eviction. A good place to start is to call the bar association in your area to obtain information about low-cost options regarding legal advice. For example, there may be a legal aid program in your area that will discuss your case with you for a fraction of the cost. In addition, many attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case. This may be a good option for you if you are unsure whether your case is worth pursuing. For more information about the eviction procedure in California, seehttp://www.courts.ca.gov/1291.htm or http://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-eviction.htm.