My landlord cut my electricity or water to force me out.
Simple answer
That is not allowed. Most state rent laws forbid a landlord from cutting essential supplies like water or electricity without just cause. Apply to the Rent Controller, or the authority your state names, for an urgent restoration order. Report threats or force to the police.
Real-life examples
Lakshmi has rented a room in Old Delhi for ₹3,000 a month for years. When she refused a big rent hike, the landlord cut her electricity. She can apply to the Rent Controller, who can order immediate restoration. If her rent were above ₹3,500, she would go to a civil court instead.
Imran's flat in Mumbai lost water after the landlord stopped paying the municipal water bill. Under Maharashtra law, this also counts as withholding. Imran can ask the court to order restoration, and can also ask the municipal authority directly, which may act without the landlord's NOC.
What should you do?
- 1Note the dates and times, take photos or videos, and keep messages and the names of witnesses.
- 2Check that your own bills are paid, then ask the landlord in writing to restore the supply at once.
- 3Apply to the Rent Controller, rent court or Rent Authority named in your state's rent law, asking for an urgent interim order to restore supply.
- 4Contact the electricity or water department. Some states let a tenant get supply restored or a connection without the landlord's NOC.
- 5If there are threats, violence or broken locks, call 112 and file a written police complaint.
- 6If your home isn't covered by a rent law, ask a lawyer about a civil court injunction. For free legal aid, call NALSA at 15100.
Exceptions & limits
- If the supply was cut because you didn't pay your own electricity or water bill, that is not illegal withholding by the landlord.
- A short shutdown for genuine repairs or safety, with notice, can be a 'just cause'.
- Not every rented home is covered by a state rent law; Delhi's Act, for example, excludes rents above ₹3,500 a month. Then a civil court is the usual route.
Official legal reference
Model Tenancy Act, 2021 — Section 20
Model law: landlord must not withhold essential supply; the Rent Authority can order restoration and award up to two months' rent as compensation.
Delhi Rent Control Act, 1958 — Section 45
Delhi: landlord must not cut essential supply without just cause; the Controller can order immediate restoration, even before hearing the landlord.
Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999 — Section 29
Maharashtra: cutting essential supply without just cause is punishable (up to 3 months' jail or ₹1,000 fine, or both); the court can order restoration.
Transfer of Property Act, 1882 — Section 108(c)
A tenant who pays rent and keeps the lease terms may hold the property without interruption during the lease.
Where to get help
NALSA Free Legal Aid
Free lawyer and legal advice for eligible people through Legal Services Authorities.
Source & status
- Applies to
- Varies by state
- Which authority hears this, how fast it acts and what penalty applies depend on your state's rent law, and some homes fall outside it. Check your state's Rent Control Act or new tenancy law.
- Law in force since
- 1 Jul 1882
- Legal review
- Draft — awaiting lawyer review
Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.