70-33-422. Noncompliance of tenant generally -- landlord's right of termination -- damages -- injunction. (1) If the tenant destroys, defaces, damages, impairs, or removes any part of the premises in violation of 70-33-321(3), the landlord may terminate the rental agreement upon giving 3 days' written notice specifying the noncompliance under the provisions of 70-33-321(3). If the landlord terminates the rental agreement, the tenant shall vacate the premises on termination of the agreement.
(2) If the tenant creates a reasonable potential that the premises may be damaged or destroyed or that neighboring tenants may be injured, as evidenced by the tenant being arrested or charged with an act that violates the provisions of 70-33-321(4), the landlord may terminate the rental agreement upon giving 3 days' written notice specifying the violation and noncompliance under the provisions of 70-33-321(4). If the landlord terminates the rental agreement, the tenant shall vacate the premises on termination of the agreement.
(3) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the landlord may recover actual damages and obtain injunctive relief for any noncompliance by the tenant with the rental agreement or 70-33-321. Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, if the tenant's noncompliance is purposeful, the landlord may recover treble damages.
(4) Treble damages may not be recovered for the tenant's early termination of the tenancy.
History: En. Sec. 39, Ch. 267, L. 2007; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 236, L. 2021.