Landlord Liability for Structural Repairs Over Lease Provisions

A tenant sued the landlord seeking reimbursement for necessary structural repairs, which the landlord refused to undertake, arguing the tenant was responsible under the lease agreement. The appellate court upheld the trial court's decision, finding that although the lease stipulated the tenant was responsible for most repairs, fundamental structural repairs, necessary for the building's stability and not merely for routine maintenance or upkeep, remained the landlord's obligation under the general law, regardless of contrary lease provisions, leading to the ultimate rejection of the landlord's appeal.