A. Civil Liability. An aggrieved person may bring a civil action for injunctive relief and damages. The court may award to the person whose rights are violated punitive damages in an amount no less than three times the amount of actual damages or three times the amount of one month’s rent that the landlord charges for the housing accommodation at issue, whichever is higher. The court may also award reasonable attorney fees and costs of the action.
B. Affirmative Defense. Any person may assert a violation of this article as an affirmative defense to an unlawful detainer action brought pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161, as amended.
C. Nonexclusive Remedies and Penalties. The remedies provided in this article are not exclusive, and nothing in this article shall preclude an aggrieved person from seeking any other remedies provided by law.