Under what condition can a tenant withhold rent?

The ability for a tenant to withhold rent typically hinges on the landlord's failure to fulfill their obligations pertaining to the lease agreement and the overall condition of the property. Among the choices given, withholding rent is often justified when significant issues exist that affect the habitability of the rental unit, such as necessary repairs that have not been completed or the maintenance of the property being neglected.

In practice, withholding rent is not generally permitted simply because a tenant did not receive a copy of the rental agreement. While having a copy of the agreement is important for reference and clarity, it does not directly relate to the tenant's living conditions or the landlord's responsibilities. Therefore, the ability to withhold rent is not substantiated by this reason, as it does not constitute a breach of duty that impacts the tenant's right to live in a safe and well-maintained environment.

In contrast, arguments related to the need for repairs or property maintenance directly address the landlord's obligation to ensure that the rental property is habitable. When essential repairs or proper maintenance are not carried out, tenants may have legitimate grounds to withhold rent until those conditions are rectified.