Retaliatory Eviction

Requirement that a tenant vacate a unit in response to a complaint from the tenant concerning the condition of the building. Landlord-tenant laws in many states forbid such Evictions if proper channels are taken to lodge the complaint.

The requirement that a tenant vacate a unit in response to a complaint from the tenant concerning the condition of the building. Landlord-tenant laws in many states forbid such Evictions if proper channels are taken to lodge the complaint.
Example: Six months after Romney moved into an apartment, the heating system stopped operating. The landlord failed to repair the system, and Romney filed a formal complaint with the city Housing Code enforcement office. When the landlord received notice from the city to repair the system, he evicted Romney in a retaliatory eviction. The eviction was stopped in court.

The act of a landlord in ejecting or attempting to eject a tenant from the rented premises, or in refusing to renew a lease, because of the tenant's complaints or participation in a tenant's union or in similar activities with which the landlord is not in accord.

In some states, such retaliation will bar the landlord from enforcing normal eviction remedies against the tenant.

See: landlord and tenant.