What is a tenant's recourse if the landlord fails to maintain a habitable living environment?

In situations where a landlord fails to maintain a habitable living environment, tenants have specific rights and options for recourse. The correct action involves both moving out and suing for damages.

When a landlord does not uphold their obligation to provide a habitable living space, this can constitute a breach of the implied warranty of habitability. Tenants are entitled to a living environment that meets certain health and safety standards, and if these standards are not met, they are justified in taking action to protect their rights.

By choosing to move out, tenants can demonstrate that they are no longer willing to tolerate the uninhabitable conditions, which is an important step in protecting their wellbeing. Simultaneously pursuing legal action for damages allows them to seek compensation for any hardships they experienced due to the landlord's negligence. This dual approach can help ensure the tenant’s rights are respected and might also encourage the landlord to rectify issues for future tenants.

The other options presented do not adequately address the tenant's rights under the law. Merely ignoring the situation does nothing to resolve the problem and leaves the tenant vulnerable. Simply moving out without seeking damages may not hold the landlord accountable for their failure to maintain the property, which is critical for ensuring such situations do not recur in