70-24-405. Failure of landlord to deliver possession -- tenant's remedies. (1) If the landlord fails to deliver possession of the dwelling unit to the tenant as provided in 70-24-302, rent abates until possession is delivered and the tenant may:
     (a) terminate the rental agreement upon at least 5 days' written notice to the landlord and, upon termination, the landlord shall return all prepaid rent and security; or
     (b) demand performance of the rental agreement by the landlord and, if the tenant elects, maintain an action for possession of the dwelling unit against the landlord or a person wrongfully in possession and recover the actual damages sustained by him.
     (2) If a person's failure to deliver possession is purposeful and not in good faith, an aggrieved party may recover from that person an amount not more than 3 months' periodic rent or treble damages, whichever is greater.

     History: En. 42-427 by Sec. 27, Ch. 313, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 42-427.