(Added by Ord. No. 187,109, Eff. 8/6/21.)
A. An aggrieved tenant under this article, or any person, organization, or entity who will fairly and adequately represent the interests of an aggrieved tenant(s) under this article, may institute civil proceedings as provided by law, against any landlord violating any of the provisions of this article and any person who aids, facilitates, and/or incites another to violate the provisions of this article, regardless of whether the rental unit remains occupied or has been vacated due to harassment.
B. A tenant prevailing in court under this article may be awarded compensatory damages, rent refunds for reduction in housing services, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, imposition of civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation depending upon the severity of the violation, tenant relocation, and other appropriate relief, as adjudged by the court.
C. If a tenant prevailing under this article is older than 65 years or disabled when any of the harassing conduct occurred, the court may impose additional civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation depending upon the severity of the violation.
D. Any landlord violating any of the provisions of this article, and any person who aids, facilitates, and/or incites another to violate the provisions of this article may be enjoined therefrom by a court of competent jurisdiction.
E. The remedies in this paragraph are not exclusive nor do they preclude any tenant from seeking any other remedies, penalties and punitive damages, as provided by law.
F. Landlord Notice. A civil proceeding or small claims case initiated under this article alleging any violation of Section 45.33 2. may be commenced only after the tenant provides written notice to the landlord of the alleged violation, and the landlord fails to remedy the repair or maintenance issue within a reasonable period of time.