59.18.290 - Removal or exclusion of tenant from premises -- Holding over or excluding landlord from premises after termination date.

Removal or exclusion of tenant from premises — Holding over or excluding landlord from premises after termination date.

(1) It shall be unlawful for the landlord to remove or exclude from the premises the tenant thereof except under a court order so authorizing. Any tenant so removed or excluded in violation of this section may recover possession of the property or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, may recover the actual damages sustained. The prevailing party may recover the costs of suit or arbitration and reasonable attorney's fees.

     (2) It shall be unlawful for the tenant to hold over in the premises or exclude the landlord therefrom after the termination of the rental agreement except under a valid court order so authorizing. Any landlord so deprived of possession of premises in violation of this section may recover possession of the property and damages sustained by him or her, and the prevailing party may recover his or her costs of suit or arbitration and reasonable attorney's fees.

[2010 c 8 § 19028; 1973 1st ex.s. c 207 § 29.]