Printable Format58-2563. Unlawful removal or exclusion of tenant; diminished services; damages; security deposit. 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 electric, gas, water or other essential service to the tenant, the tenant may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, recover an amount not more than one and one-half (1½) months' periodic rent or the damages sustained by the tenant, whichever is greater. If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord shall return that portion of the security deposit recoverable by the tenant under K.S.A. 58-2550.
History: L. 1975, ch. 290, § 24; July 1.
Law Review and Bar Journal References:
"Prosecuting and Defending Forcible Entry and Detainer Actions," Stephen Kirschbaum, 65 J.K.B.A. No. 7, 20 (1996).
CASE ANNOTATIONS
1. Mentioned in upholding constitutionality of subsection (d) of K.S.A. 58-2550. Clark v. Walker, 225 Kan. 359, 367, 590 P.2d 1043.
2. Tenant's actual damages, when unlawfully excluded or services diminished by landlord; determined; tenant may recover punitive damages if landlord's acts are wanton and malicious. Geiger v. Wallace, 233 Kan. 656, 657, 658, 659, 660, 661, 664 P.2d 846 (1983).