A landlord must take appropriate steps to prevent disturbances from other tenants to avoid liability for nuisance. Nuisance law addresses situations where one party's actions interfere with another party's use and enjoyment of their property. If a landlord permits excessive disturbances from other tenants—such as loud parties, ongoing harassment, or continuous lower-level disturbances—they may be seen as negligent in their duty to provide a habitable and accommodating living environment.
By failing to act on complaints about disruptive behavior from one tenant that affects other tenants, the landlord could be held liable. This is because landlords have a responsibility to maintain a peaceful environment. Even if tenants have the right to enjoy their own space, that right does not extend to disturbing others.
Other choices illustrate various general maintenance and safety issues, but they do not specifically relate to the direct liability for nuisance in the same way as disturbances do. For example, disrepair of common areas may lead to negligence claims but doesn't automatically imply a disturbance that affects enjoyment. Similarly, obstruction of entryways can present safety concerns but typically does not rise to nuisance without significant interference or claim of discomfort to residents. Noise from construction may be disruptive, yet landlords often have a degree of leeway with construction schedules and community notice regarding such activities. However,