70-24-408. Purposeful or negligent failure to provide essential services -- tenant's remedies. (1) If contrary to the rental agreement or 70-24-303 the landlord purposefully or negligently fails to supply heat, running water, hot water, electric, gas, or other essential services, the tenant may give written notice to the landlord specifying the breach and may:
     (a) procure reasonable amounts of heat, hot water, running water, electricity, gas, and other essential services during the period of the landlord's noncompliance and deduct their actual and reasonable cost from the rent;
     (b) recover damages based upon the diminution in the fair rental value of the dwelling unit; or
     (c) procure reasonable substitute housing during the period of the landlord's noncompliance, in which case the tenant is excused from paying rent for the period of the landlord's noncompliance.
     (2) If the tenant proceeds under this section, he may not proceed under 70-24-406 or 70-24-407 as to that breach.
     (3) Rights of the tenant under this section do not arise until he has given notice to the landlord and the landlord has had a reasonable opportunity to correct the conditions or if the conditions were caused by the act or omission of the tenant, a member of his family, or other person on the premises with his consent.

     History: En. 42-429 by Sec. 29, Ch. 313, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 42-429.