Maps

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This year, we’ve reformed the Index to focus on unhoused youth and young adults (YYA), aligning it with their experiences and policy needs. Shifting from harm reduction to transformative change, some jurisdictions may see lower scores than before. This is a deliberate strategy, not a setback. Lower scores should motivate, not discourage, jurisdictions. They present an opportunity to adopt policies that effectively tackle and prevent youth homelessness, fostering meaningful progress.

Landlord Required to Maintain Habitability (Warrant of Habitability)

  • Habitability of housing

The jurisdiction requires landlords to ensure and maintain the habitability of their rental housing

An “implied warranty of habitability” is a law that requires landlords to maintain their rental properties in a safe and livable condition, even if it is not specified in the lease (the obligation is “implied” by law). Although it varies by jurisdiction, the implied warranty of habitability usually requires: structural integrity of the building/unit, working locks on the doors and windows, drinkable water, hot water, electricity, heating during cold weather, working smoke detectors, working bathroom facilities, the absence/removal of pests, and overall general compliance with building codes.

Key Metric Score Type of Policy Description
0.0 Status Quo Landlords have a duty to maintain habitability
-0.5 Harmful Landlords do not have duty to maintain habitability

Cite: National Homelessness Law Center and True Colors United. "Youth Homelessness Index, Landlord Required to Maintain Habitability (Warrant of Habitability)" https://youthhomelessnessindex.org/maps/landlord-required-to-maintain-habitability-warrant-of-habitability/. Accessed: February 8, 2025.

Habitability of housing

A habitable dwelling is one that is safe, clean, and suitable for living in. It is an essential component of the right to housing. In general, landlords have a legal obligation to maintain habitability in their rental properties, including working heat, hot water and electricity, and addressing issues like broken locks or infestations. However, jurisdictions vary in how much power renters have to hold landlords responsible to fix unsafe or unlivable conditions.

“It’s one thing to get housing, it’s another to have to feel uncomfortable in that housing. NYCHA supportive housing can be dangerous, too many repairs, infestations. People going through housing insecurity are expected to deal with these things. Housing is often seen as a profit maker and not a basic right. Landlords and property managers should care more and keep up on their buildings.” – Kemi Adebisi-Oke


These maps are provided as legal information only and should not be used as legal advice for your specific situation. If you need help with any of the issues described on this website, please check out the Homeless Youth Legal Network (HYLN) directory OR email or call HYLN for help finding a referral to a lawyer.