Bishop, Cal., Code of Ordinances ch. 9.28 § 9.28.030
Civil remedies
Operative Text
Failure by a landlord to comply with the terms of this chapter shall be an affirmative defense to any unlawful detainer action pending or filed on or after the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived. In addition, tenant may bring a civil suit in the courts of the state alleging that a landlord has violated any of the provisions of this chapter. In a civil suit, a landlord found to violate this chapter shall be liable to the tenant for all actual damages, as well as an award of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. Additionally, upon a showing that the landlord has acted willfully or with oppression, fraud, or malice, the tenant shall be awarded treble damages. No administrative remedy need be exhausted prior to filing suit pursuant to this section.
Bishop Code of Ordinances ch. 9.28 § 9.28.030 establishes civil remedies when a landlord fails to comply with the local rental regulations chapter. A landlord's noncompliance can serve as an affirmative defense against an eviction (unlawful detainer) action, and tenants may also bring a civil lawsuit in state court seeking actual damages, attorney's fees, and costs. If a court finds the landlord acted willfully or with oppression, fraud, or malice, the damages awarded may be tripled. Tenants are not required to go through any administrative process before filing suit under this section.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Bishop Code of Ordinances ch. 9.28 § 9.28.030, operators who maintain full compliance with Chapter 9.28 reduce their exposure to civil liability in state court. A compliant landlord generally keeps thorough records demonstrating adherence to all chapter requirements, since noncompliance can be raised as a defense by a tenant in any unlawful detainer proceeding filed on or after the ordinance's effective date. Landlords should be aware that willful violations, or conduct involving oppression, fraud, or malice, can expose them to treble damages plus the tenant's reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Bishop Code of Ordinances ch. 9.28 § 9.28.030 gives tenants meaningful civil remedies when a landlord has violated Chapter 9.28's requirements. If a landlord initiates an eviction proceeding, a tenant may raise the landlord's noncompliance as an affirmative defense directly in that case; separately, a tenant may file a civil lawsuit in California state court to recover actual damages, attorney's fees, and costs — and potentially treble damages if the landlord's conduct was willful or involved oppression, fraud, or malice. Importantly, no administrative complaint or exhaustion of administrative remedies is required before filing suit, though tenants facing these situations may benefit from consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Bishop's local ordinances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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