(A) No landlord may threaten to bring, or bring, an action to recover possession, cause the tenant to quit the unit involuntarily, serve any notice to quit or notice of termination of tenancy, decrease any housing services or increase the rent where the landlord's intent is retaliation against the tenant for the tenant's assertion or exercise of any right under this title.
(B) Any action of retaliation described in division (A) shall be a defense to an action to recover possession, or it may serve as the basis for an affirmative action by the tenant for actual and punitive damages and injunctive relief.
(C) A tenant may assert retaliation affirmatively or as a defense to the landlord's action regardless of the period of time which has elapsed between the tenant's assertion or exercise of rights under this chapter and the alleged act of retaliation.
(Ord. 2232-C-S, passed 9-12-2023)