What justifies a tenant abandoning the premises due to landlord actions?

Constructive eviction is a legal concept that justifies a tenant's abandonment of the premises when a landlord's actions, or lack thereof, significantly impair the tenant's ability to enjoy the leased property. This occurs when the living conditions become intolerable due to issues like failure to maintain the property, neglecting necessary repairs, or creating an environment that is unfit for living. The tenant must demonstrate that the conditions were serious enough that they had no choice but to leave.

In cases of constructive eviction, the tenant is effectively forced out by the landlord's failure to uphold their responsibilities, which can include neglecting essential services (like water or heat) or failing to address hazardous conditions. This concept is crucial because it recognizes the tenant's right to live in a safe and habitable environment, and offers a legal remedy for those who find themselves unable to continue living in a property due to the landlord's actions.

The other terms do not align with the same legal rationale for abandonment. Unlawful eviction refers specifically to an illegal act of removing a tenant without following the proper legal process. Retaliatory eviction pertains to a landlord acting against a tenant for asserting their rights, often after the tenant has filed a complaint. Holistic eviction is not a recognized legal term