Final answer:
A tenant may be entitled to rent abatement during major repairs if the habitability of the property is compromised, but entitlement depends on local laws and lease terms. Price ceilings in the rental market can lead to lower quality housing due to reduced landlord investment in maintenance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The entitlement of a tenant to rent abatement during major repairs by the landlord typically depends on the local landlord-tenant law and the terms outlined in the lease agreement. In cases where the habitability of the property is compromised, such as not providing essential services like heating, cooling, hot water, or lighting, a tenant may have the right to rent abatement. This situation aligns with broader economic principles where price ceilings can lead to landlords offering lower quality housing as the return on investment is reduced, prompting some landlords to spend less on maintenance. If the rental unit does not meet certain standards of habitability due to major repairs, tenants might be able to negotiate a reduction in rent until the issues are resolved. However, without a thorough evaluation of relevant laws and specific lease terms, a clear determination of entitlement to rent abatement cannot be made.