What does "constructive eviction" refer to in a legal context?

Constructive eviction refers to a situation where a tenant's right to use and enjoy the leased property is substantially impaired due to the landlord's negligence or failure to maintain the premises. In this context, when a landlord neglects their obligations—such as failing to provide essential services, address hazardous conditions, or ensure the property is livable—this can render the property uninhabitable or significantly disrupt the tenant’s peaceful enjoyment of the space.

If the tenant can demonstrate that the landlord's actions or inactions effectively forced them to vacate the property, they may have a valid claim for constructive eviction. The principle acknowledges that while the tenant did not receive a formal eviction notice or went through an official eviction process, the conditions created by the landlord were so intolerable that they had no choice but to leave.

This option captures the essence of constructive eviction, highlighting the tenant’s rights being violated through the landlord's negligence. It is important to note that a tenant's voluntary decision to leave the property or a legal process for terminating a lease are not components of constructive eviction, as they do not necessarily involve a landlord's failure to uphold their responsibilities.