Asked by user in Utah. Answered by Enjuris Editors.
Utah law requires landlords to provide tenants with “habitable housing.” When your apartment is not fit for habitation (e.g., the conditions violate local housing codes), you are “constructively evicted” and can lawfully break your lease.
Constructive eviction is a common result when an apartment has a serious problem such as:
No running water
Flooding
No working furnace
Serious infestation
In extreme cases, you may be able to break your lease due to loud noises or unsafe odors. Regardless, before breaking your lease, the law requires you to follow certain procedures, including giving your landlord 24 hours to start fixing the problem.
I would recommend providing your landlord with written notice of the issues (send the notice via certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof your landlord received the notice). If your landlord does not remedy the issues, I would recommend meeting with a landlord-tenant attorney in your area. If you think you qualify for free legal assistance, consider reaching out to the Utah State Bar Pro Bono Commission.