Cal. Civ. Code § 29-18-131
Monetary judgment in circuit court.
Operative Text
(a) If the defendant obtain certiorari, and, upon trial in the circuit court, the jury find that the plaintiff is entitled to the possession of the land, the jury shall also ascertain the value of the rents during the time the plaintiff has been kept out of possession, and such other damages as the plaintiff is entitled to, and the court shall give judgment against the defendant and the defendant's sureties for the amount. (b) Should the cause be taken to the circuit court by the plaintiff, and a verdict be found in the plaintiff's favor, the jury shall, in like manner, ascertain the value of the rents, and the damages the jury may consider the plaintiff entitled to, and return the amount in its verdict, upon which the court shall give judgment accordingly.
Tennessee Code Ann. tit. 29, ch. 18 § 29-18-131 governs what happens when an eviction dispute moves from a lower tribunal to the circuit court. If the circuit court jury finds in favor of the party seeking possession of the property, the jury is also required to calculate the rental value lost during the period that party was kept out, along with any other applicable damages. A monetary judgment is then entered by the court against the losing party and, where applicable, that party's sureties for the total amount determined by the jury.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 29-18-131, a property owner who prevails in circuit court after an eviction case is appealed or transferred is entitled to have the jury assess not just possession rights but also the fair rental value of the property for the period of lost occupancy. Compliant operators generally keep clear records of rental rates, lease terms, and the timeline of any possession dispute so that evidence supporting a damages calculation is readily available if the matter reaches circuit court. Presenting organized documentation of lost rent and related damages helps ensure the jury has a factual basis for its award under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 29-18-131 means that if a case reaches the circuit court, a tenant who loses at that level may face a monetary judgment covering back rent value and other damages, not just an order to vacate. Tenants involved in circuit court proceedings under this provision should be aware that the jury's role extends beyond deciding possession to also quantifying financial liability. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Tennessee eviction procedure can help a tenant understand what defenses or counterclaims may be relevant to the damages phase of a § 29-18-131 proceeding.
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 29, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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