Which illegal action involves a landlord taking away essential services to force a tenant out?

The action referred to in the question is known as constructive eviction. This occurs when a landlord takes steps that effectively make the rental property uninhabitable or significantly diminish the use and enjoyment of the property by the tenant. By removing essential services—such as heat, water, or electricity—the landlord is not directly evicting the tenant but is creating conditions that compel the tenant to leave the property.

In the context of landlord-tenant law, constructive eviction serves as a legal doctrine that allows tenants to vacate the premises and potentially seek legal recourse for damages, as they are effectively forced out through the landlord's actions rather than through formal eviction proceedings. It's a critical concept for tenants to understand, as it emphasizes their rights when faced with intolerable living conditions imposed by the landlord.

The other options identify different aspects of landlord-tenant law. Unlawful detainer refers to a legal process by which a landlord can regain possession of a property, usually after a tenant has breached their lease. Eviction without notice pertains to the failure to follow proper legal procedures regarding eviction, which is usually required to notify tenants before they can be lawfully evicted. Retaliation eviction is when a landlord evicts a tenant in response to the tenant exercising