(A) Misdemeanor. It shall be unlawful for any mobile home park owner to willfully and knowingly adjust any space rent in excess of that allowed under this chapter or by order of the hearing officer. Any mobile home park owner who willfully and knowingly violates any of the provisions of this chapter or the orders of the hearing officer shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(B) Civil damages. Any mobile home park owner who demands, accepts, receives or retains money as space rent to which said mobile home park owner is not entitled under the provisions of this chapter shall be liable in a civil action to the tenant from whom such payment is demanded, accepted or retained for damages in the sum of three times the amount by which the payment or payments demanded, accepted or retained exceed the maximum rent which could lawfully be demanded, accepted or retained, together with reasonable attorney's fees and costs as determined by the court. The tenant shall bear the burden of proving entitlement to these penalties.
(C) Other remedies. The hearing officer, the Director, the city, and/or the tenants or mobile home park owners may seek relief from the appropriate court within the jurisdiction within which the mobile home park space is located to enforce any provision of this chapter or its implementing regulations or to restrain or enjoin any violation of this chapter and of the rules, regulations, orders and decisions of the hearing officer.
(Ord. 2023-366, passed 3-1-2023)