Under what condition can a tenant be exempt from paying rent if the dwelling becomes uninhabitable?

The tenant can be exempt from paying rent if a court agrees with the tenant's assertions about the uninhabitability of the dwelling. This is grounded in legal principles that recognize a landlord's responsibility to maintain habitable living conditions. If a tenant believes that the property is uninhabitable—meaning there are conditions that significantly impair the tenant’s ability to live there safely and comfortably—they can present their case in court. If the court finds that the tenant's claims are valid and the property does not meet basic habitability standards, it can rule in the tenant's favor, potentially allowing for a suspension of rent payments until the issues are resolved.

In contrast, simply deciding to move out would not legally exempt a tenant from rent obligations unless other legal actions are taken. A rent reduction agreed upon by the landlord is a negotiation rather than a guarantee of exemption from rent while the property is still technically occupied. Lastly, natural disasters can certainly affect habitability, but whether rent is waived in those situations often depends on the specific lease agreement and local laws, rather than an automatic exemption.