§ 55-248.26. Tenant’s remedies for landlord’s unlawful ouster, exclusion or diminution of service.

If the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises or willfully diminishes services to the tenant by interrupting or causing the interruption of gas, water or other essential service to the tenant, the tenant may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, recover the actual damages sustained by him and a reasonable attorney’s fee. If the rental agreement is terminated the landlord shall return all of the security deposit in accordance with § 55-248.15:1.

(1974, c. 680; 2000, c. 760.)