Living tenant/thinking as a future landlord

[David Crutcher Jr.]

Hello BP I have a friend whose renting a 3br/2 1/2 b apartment. 3 weeks ago a leaking pipe was discovered that was no fault of the tenant. A few days later someone came out, knocked out a few areas of drywall & also discovered mold. Now for the last 2 weeks it's been a real inconvience to them because the only running water comes out of the bath tub, toilet doesn't flush. Same thing in other bathroom but the toilet does flush. Downstairs bathroom doesn't flush but sink works. And in the kitchen the cold water is the only thing that allows flowing water. Now the problem is should they still be liable for full rent even though they've not been able to fully use their apt? I'm trying to give advice from a tenant/future landlord standpoint because I'm learning & trying to be more active on BP. I would love to be fair to both parties but should they still be liable for full rent?

[Dawn Brenengen]

@David Crutcher Jr. In my market, the tenant would still need to pay rent, but the landlord would have to offer a habitable place to live.  So, that means they would need to find some other workable accommodations for the tenant if this is not something that can be fixed quickly.  Alternatively, the tenant can pay their rent to the court have it held for the landlord in case it is later decided that the landlord did not provide safe and habitable accommodations.  I can't think of the term for this process.