In which situation might a tenant experience constructive eviction?

A tenant might experience constructive eviction when the property is deemed unusable. Constructive eviction occurs when a landlord fails to provide a living environment that meets the basic requirements for habitability, effectively forcing the tenant to leave the premises due to the conditions. For instance, situations such as severe plumbing issues, lack of heat, or significant health hazards could render a rental property uninhabitable. When a tenant can prove that these conditions exist and the landlord has not addressed them despite being notified, the tenant may have the right to terminate the lease without further obligation.

In contrast, leaving before the lease ends typically indicates a tenant's decision to vacate, but it does not imply that they were forced out due to unlivable conditions. Breaking a lease refers to violating its terms, which could potentially lead to legal consequences but does not constitute constructive eviction. Lastly, refusing to pay rent often leads to eviction proceedings initiated by the landlord, which is fundamentally different from constructive eviction, where the tenant is compelled to leave due to the landlord's failure in their responsibilities. Thus, the situation where the property is unusable aligns directly with the concept of constructive eviction.