Landlords & tenants: What are the requirements of rent?

Leases usually require that the rent be due on a certain date. Sometimes, leases contain provisions for grace periods during which the landlord may elect to waive late charges. However, grace periods usually do not extend the time for payment of the rent.

There are very few times when a tenant may withhold rent because the landlord has not performed an obligation of the lease. However, the tenant may be entitled to withhold rent where dangerous defects exist because the landlord has failed to perform an obligation under the lease which constitutes a danger to the life, health or safety of an occupant. The landlord should receive written notice of the defect by certified mail and have a reasonable opportunity to repair a defect.