What rights does a tenant have if the landlord fails to provide a habitable living environment?

A tenant in the District of Columbia has certain rights when it comes to a landlord’s failure to provide a habitable living environment. According to the District of Columbia’s landlord and tenant law, a tenant has the right to file a complaint against their landlord for not providing a habitable living environment. The law states that a landlord must keep the property in a “safe, clean and fit” condition. This means that any defects or damages must be corrected in a timely manner and all necessary repairs must be made. If the landlord fails to address the issues that make the living environment uninhabitable, the tenant has the right to terminate the lease or take legal action. The tenant can also withhold rent until the repairs are made, as long as an escrow account is established for the funds. The tenant also has the right to apply for a rent abatement - a reduction in the amount of rent that is owed. If the tenant decides to take legal action, they can file a lawsuit against their landlord in the District of Columbia’s court. The tenant has the right to claim damages for any discomfort, inconvenience, or personal injury that was caused due to the landlord’s failure to provide a habitable living environment. The tenant is also entitled to reasonable attorney fees if they successfully win their case.

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What rights does a tenant have if the landlord fails to provide a habitable living environment?

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