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 obtain an order from a general district court to recover possession, require the landlord to resume any such interrupted utility service, or terminate the rental agreement and, in any case, recover the actual damages sustained by him and a reasonable attorney fee. If the rental agreement is terminated the landlord shall return all of the security deposit in accordance with § 55-248.15:1.

History

1974, c. 680; 2000, c. 760; 2013, c. 110.