Jackson, MS water crisis. Needing advice!

[Marshall Smith]

I rent a luxury apartment in Jackson, MS, but recently moved out ( I'll be paying rent until the end of my lease on December 27 2022) due to no access to clean or running water.  The entire city is affected by our government officials inability to manage basic infrastructure. What are my legal rights as a renter? Can I legally withhold rent, or a portion of rent?  What should I do if my apartment is uninhabitable under these conditions? 

Current Conditions: Cannot flush a toilet, cannot shower, cannot safely use any water even if boiled because it is dark brown. This place is unsanitary until the city resolves the issues. What can I do?

[Jonathan R McLaughlin]

@Marshall Smith absolutely no expertise in MS law. I am pretty sure most states have a habitability clause where if the landlord can’t deliver the apt in habitable condition you don’t pay rent.

Similar to clauses in the lease releasing the landlord if the thing burns down before move in. I certainly would not pay anything in this situation unless legally forced. It’s a tragedy for everyone: you can’t live there, landlord can’t collect rent.

But logic and my opinion don’t have much value. Check with local lawyer.