Tenants in New York have legal protections when unlivable conditions force them to leave their rented property. Constructive Eviction occurs when a landlord’s failure to maintain safe or habitable living conditions—such as lack of heat, severe leaks, or pest infestations—effectively pushes a tenant out. In such cases, tenants may have the right to withhold rent or terminate the lease without penalty. Understanding the concept of constructive eviction helps tenants safeguard their rights and seek proper legal remedies when their landlord neglects essential maintenance or creates an uninhabitable environment.