habitable
Habitability refers to the legal requirement that a rental dwelling be fit for human occupancy and free from serious defects posing risks to health or safety. Landlords nationwide must ensure and maintain habitable premises. While specific standards vary by jurisdiction, universally recognized necessities include adequate heat, hot water, plumbing, electrical service, and a structurally safe environment free from hazards such as leaks, infestations, or unsafe conditions. Tenants may exercise remedies such as rent withholding, repair and deduct, or lease termination if a dwelling falls below these standards. See also: landlord-tenant law.
The doctrine of the implied warranty of habitability (which is now accepted in all U.S. jurisdictions), originates from Javins v. First National Realty Corp., 428 F.2d 1071 (D.C. Cir. 1970). In that case, the D.C. Circuit held that leases for dwellings should be treated as contracts under which landlords implicitly warrant that rentals meet local housing code standards and are fit for habitation.
[Last reviewed in August of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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