Furphy

**What Happened** This case involved a dispute between a tenant and their landlord, Bhavnesh Kaushik. The landlord deliberately cut off utilities to the rental property, which violated the tenant's rights. The tenant sued for breach of contract, claiming the landlord's actions caused them financial harm. **What the Court Decided** The appellate court made a mixed ruling. They upheld the tenant's right to $29,000 in damages plus $4,649.50 in attorney's fees for the landlord's intentional utility interruption. However, the court found that the trial court had incorrectly awarded an additional $29,000 in enhanced damages under a specific state law (RSA 358-A:10). The case was sent back to the lower court to reconsider whether these extra damages should apply. **Why This Matters for Workers** While this case involved a landlord-tenant relationship rather than employment, it demonstrates important principles that can affect workers who rent housing. Tenants have legal protections against landlords who try to force them out by cutting utilities, and courts will award both actual damages and attorney's fees when landlords act improperly. This gives renters - including workers - meaningful legal recourse when facing housing discrimination or retaliation.