If leased premises become unusable for the purpose stated in the lease, the tenant may have the right not to abandon the premises. This action is called?

The concept of constructive eviction arises when a tenant's rights are compromised by the landlord's failure to maintain the property in a habitable condition or to meet the terms outlined in the lease. When leased premises become unusable for their intended purpose—such as when essential services like heat, water, or electricity are not provided—the tenant may choose to remain in the property and may have legal grounds to assert that they are being constructively evicted. This means that while the tenant does not physically leave the premises, their ability to use the property as intended has been significantly impaired.

Constructive eviction provides the tenant a legal remedy by allowing them to hold the landlord accountable and potentially seeking damages or even terminating the lease, depending on the circumstances. It fundamentally acknowledges that the tenant should not be forced to endure conditions that violate the lease agreement.

In contrast, lease termination refers to an ending of the lease agreement, often by mutual consent or due to the lease's expiration. A leasehold agreement does not pertain to this situation specifically; it's a legal term for the contract itself. Property abandonment involves a tenant leaving the property without intention to return, which is different from constructive eviction, where the tenant remains but claims the property is unsuitable.