Cal. Civ. Code § 38-12-1205
Remedies.
Operative Text
(1) If a landlord engages in prohibited conduct described in section 38-12-1203 against a tenant, the tenant may bring a civil action to seek any one or more of the following remedies: (a) Compensatory damages for injury or loss suffered; (b) A civil penalty in an amount not to exceed two thousand dollars for each violation, payable to the tenant; (c) Costs, including reasonable attorney fees; and (d) Other equitable relief the court finds appropriate. (2) Nothing in this part 12 renders the immigration or citizenship status of a tenant relevant to any issue of liability or remedy in a civil action involving a tenant's housing rights. In proceedings or discovery undertaken in a civil action involving a tenant's housing rights, no inquiry shall be permitted into the tenant's immigration or citizenship status unless: (a) The claims or defenses raised by the tenant place the tenant's immigration or citizenship status directly in contention; or (b) The person seeking to make the inquiry demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that the inquiry is necessary in order to comply with federal law. (3) If a civil action is commenced pursuant to this section, any party to the civil action may demand a trial by jury.
Colorado Revised Statute § 38-12-1205 establishes the remedies available when a landlord engages in conduct prohibited under § 38-12-1203. A tenant who prevails in a civil action may recover compensatory damages, a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation payable to the tenant, attorney fees and costs, and any other equitable relief a court deems appropriate. The statute also shields a tenant's immigration or citizenship status from being raised in housing-rights litigation except in narrow, specifically defined circumstances, and either party may request a jury trial.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 38-12-1205, property owners and managers who engage in conduct prohibited by § 38-12-1203 face exposure to compensatory damages, civil penalties up to $2,000 per violation paid directly to the tenant, and the tenant's attorney fees and court costs. Compliant operators generally maintain clear records of all communications and actions taken with respect to tenants so that their conduct can be distinguished from prohibited behavior if a civil action is filed. Operators should also be aware that a tenant's immigration or citizenship status is generally off-limits as a line of inquiry in any housing-rights proceeding brought under this statute.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 38-12-1205 gives Colorado tenants the right to file a civil lawsuit when a landlord engages in conduct prohibited under § 38-12-1203, with potential recovery including compensatory damages, up to $2,000 per violation paid to the tenant, and reasonable attorney fees. Tenants should also know that this provision generally protects their immigration or citizenship status from being raised or investigated during housing-rights litigation, with only narrow exceptions. Tenants exploring these remedies may find it helpful to contact a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand the range of options available under § 38-12-1205.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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