A. Civil Remedies - Any person who demands, accepts, or retains any payment in violation of any provision of this Chapter shall be liable in a civil action to the person from whom such payment is demanded, accepted, or retained for damages in the\ sum of three (3) 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.
B. Criminal Remedies - It shall be unlawful for an owner to adjust any rent in an amount in excess of that allowed under this Chapter or by order of the Hearing Officer. Any 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.
C. Injunctive and Other Civil Relief - The City Manager, the City, and the tenants and owners may seek relief from the appropriate Court in the jurisdiction within which the rental unit 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.
D. Non-waiver of Rights - Any waiver or purported waiver by a tenant of rights granted under this Chapter prior to the time when such rights may be exercised, whether oral or written, shall be void as contrary to public policy.
(Ord. MC-1481, 4-14-18; Ord. MC-865, 3-24-93)