English
Noun
- The property of being habitable.
User Contributed Dictionary
Extensive Definition
- ''For habiltability of planets, see Planetary habitability.
Habitability is the conformance of a residence or abode to the implied warranty of habitability. A
residence that complies is said to be "habitable." It is an
implied
warranty or contract, meaning it does not have to be an
express
contract, covenant,
or provision of a
contract. It is a
common
law right of a tenant or Legal
doctrine.
In order to be habitable, such housing usually
must:
- must provide shelter, with working locks
- must be heated in the winter months (typically between October 1st and March 31st in the Northeastern United States)
- must not be infested with vermin, such as mice, roaches, termites, mold, etc.
- the landlord stops other tenants from making too much noise (as measured by the decibel scale), second-hand smoke, or from selling narcotics
- provides potable water
- each Jurisdiction may have various rules.
New York law
Some states, such as New York, have given additional statutory protections in addition to those created by caselaw. These statutes include:- Lobby attendant service by a concierge or landlord
- Elevator mirrors
- Smoke detectors
- Window guards
- Intercoms and self-locking doors
- Protection from lead paint