Lessee Eviction and Rent Arrears Upheld Despite Landlord Maintenance Failures

A lessee, having failed to pay rent for several months, was subjected to an eviction order and a monetary judgment for the arrears, which the lessee contested, arguing that the landlord had failed to provide necessary maintenance and repairs, thereby rendering the premises partially unfit for their intended use and justifying the non-payment. The court rejected the appeal, holding that the lessee's obligation to pay rent is independent of the landlord's obligation to perform maintenance, and that while a tenant may seek damages or request an order for specific performance regarding necessary repairs, such failure on the landlord's part does not unilaterally suspend the primary contractual obligation to pay the agreed-upon rent.