6.14.050 Enforcement.
A. In the event of a landlord’s failure to comply with any section or subsection of this chapter, a tenant shall have a cause of action in any court of competent jurisdiction for such payments and damages listed herein and other remedies as may be appropriate.
1. A landlord that fails to comply with any of the requirements set forth in this chapter shall be liable to the tenant for an amount equal to double the amount of relocation assistance specified herein, actual damages, and reasonable attorney fees and costs.
2. In addition to any other legal defense a tenant may have, it is an additional affirmative defense against eviction that the landlord is in violation of this chapter.
B. Complaints that any provision of this chapter has been violated may also be presented to the city attorney, who is hereby authorized to investigate and, if they deem appropriate, initiate legal or other action to remedy any violation of this chapter.
C. The city has the authority to issue notices of civil infraction and to order injunctive relief, including payment of unpaid relocation assistance, and other forms of relief.
D. In addition to any other remedy provided by this chapter or allowed by law, any landlord violating any of the provisions or failing to comply with any of the requirements of this chapter shall have committed a civil infraction and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed the following amounts:
1. First offense – $500.00.
2. Second offense – $750.00.
3. Third offense – $1,000. [Initiative No. 2023-02, § 5, approved by voters at the 11/07/23 election, certified 11/28/23].