Habitability Standards

Habitability standards are the minimum legal requirements for the condition and maintenance of rental properties to ensure that they are safe, healthy, and fit for human occupancy. These standards typically cover essential aspects of the rental unit, such as structural integrity, weather protection, plumbing, heating, electricity, and sanitation. Landlords have a legal duty to provide and maintain rental units that meet these habitability standards, and tenants have the right to a livable and hazard-free living environment. If a rental unit falls below the habitability standards and the landlord fails to make necessary repairs after proper notice, tenants may have legal remedies such as the right to withhold rent, make repairs and deduct the cost from rent, or terminate the lease without penalty.