What is the impact of a landlord's failure to provide a safe and habitable living environment?

In Georgia, a tenant is legally entitled to a safe and habitable living environment. If a landlord is not providing this, they are putting their tenant’s health and safety at risk. The repercussions of a landlord’s failure to provide a safe and habitable living environment can range from a tenant filing a legal claim for damages to criminal charges. In a civil lawsuit, a tenant can pursue damages if the landlord’s negligence caused physical harm or property damage. The tenant can also seek an injunction requiring the landlord to comply with the terms of the lease, which includes providing a safe and habitable living environment and making repairs. If a tenant’s living environment is in such bad condition that it poses an imminent physical danger, they may have grounds to break the lease and vacate the property. If the tenant does this, they may be able to withhold the payment of rent. If a landlord’s failure to provide a safe and habitable living environment is particularly severe, criminal charges may be brought against them. This could include charges of negligence, endangerment, or a breach of public safety laws. Ultimately, a tenant’s health and safety should always come first. If a landlord is not providing a safe and habitable living environment, then the tenant should take legal action to protect their rights.

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What is the impact of a landlord's failure to provide a safe and habitable living environment?

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