§ 34-18-34 - Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster, exclusion, or diminution of service. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 34-18-34

   § 34-18-34  Tenant's remedies forlandlord's unlawful ouster, exclusion, or diminution of service. – If a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises orwillfully diminishes services to the tenant by interrupting or causing theinterruption of heat, running water, hot water, electric, gas, or otheressential service, the tenant may recover possession or terminate the rentalagreement and, in either case, recover an amount not more than three (3) monthsperiodic rent or threefold the actual damages sustained by him or her,whichever is greater, and reasonable attorney's fees. If the rental agreementis terminated the landlord shall return all security recoverable under §34-18-19 and all prepaid rent.