The “breach of warranty of habitability” happens when a landlord fails to keep a rental home safe, clean, and livable for its tenants. When someone rents a home or apartment, there is an expectation—like a promise from the landlord—that the property is fit to live in. This means it should have working heat, plumbing, electricity, a roof that doesn’t leak, and be free from issues like mold, pests, or other dangerous conditions.

If a landlord doesn’t make necessary repairs or ignores problems that make the place unsafe or unhealthy, they’ve broken, or “breached,” that promise. When this happens, renters may be able to take legal action to get things fixed, have their rent reduced, or even leave the rental without facing penalties, depending on the laws where they live. The goal is to make sure everyone has a decent and safe place to live.