Idaho Code §§ 6-301 to 6-324 § 6-311E
ACTION FOR DAMAGES — COMPLAINT — SUMMONS.
Operative Text
In an action for damages incurred as a result of failure to pay rent or damages as a result of the unlawful production of a controlled substance on the leased premises during the term for which the premises are let to the tenant, the plaintiff in his complaint must set forth the facts on which he seeks to recover. If the plaintiff combines his action for damages with an action for possession, the complaint shall also describe the premises with reasonable certainty and may set forth therein any circumstances which may have accompanied the alleged nonpayment of rent or the facts which are the basis for the landlord’s reasonable grounds to believe that a person is, or has been, engaged in the unlawful production of a controlled substance on the leased premises during the term for which the premises are let to the tenant, and claim damages therefor; provided, however, that the early trial provision of section 6-310, Idaho Code, shall not be applicable when an action for damages is combined with an action for possession. In an action for damages, a summons must be issued returnable as in other cases upon filing the complaint.
Idaho Code Title 6, Chapter 3, § 6-311E establishes the procedural requirements for a landlord's civil lawsuit seeking monetary damages related to unpaid rent or the unlawful production of a controlled substance on leased premises. When such a damages claim is combined with a claim for possession of the property, the complaint must describe the premises with reasonable certainty and may include surrounding circumstances, but the fast-track trial timeline that normally applies to possession-only cases under § 6-310 does not apply to the combined action. A standard summons is issued when the damages complaint is filed, following the same process used in other civil cases.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 6-311E, a property owner or manager pursuing a damages claim for unpaid rent or controlled-substance production on the leased premises must ensure the complaint clearly states the factual basis for recovery. When combining a damages claim with a possession action, operators generally ensure the complaint describes the property with reasonable certainty and includes relevant circumstances, while being aware that the expedited trial timeline of § 6-310 will not apply to the combined filing. Keeping thorough documentation of rent payment history, lease terms, and any evidence related to controlled-substance activity on the premises supports the factual allegations required by this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 6-311E of Idaho Code Title 6, Chapter 3 governs how a landlord must structure a lawsuit that seeks both monetary damages and possession of the rental unit. Because the expedited trial provision of § 6-310 does not apply when damages and possession claims are combined, tenants generally have more time to respond and prepare compared to a possession-only proceeding. Tenants who receive a summons and complaint under this section may benefit from reviewing the factual allegations carefully and exploring options such as contacting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand available defenses.
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 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation