Article 8 of Tenancy Law

The lessor shall maintain the leased premises and shall, during the lease, carry out necessary repairs, particularly the work necessary to maintain roofs, stairs, elevators and water pipes, and to pump out sanitary sewers. If, after being formally notified, the lessor delays in doing so, the lessee may obtain judicial authorization to carry out such work and recover its costs from the rent. However, if the costs of necessary maintenance have reached such a magnitude as to overburden the lessor, the lessor shall be liable only up to the appropriate limit determined by the judge—with the rent of the premises and the duration of the lessee’s occupancy thereof being taken into account—and the lessee may either rescind the contract or bear the amount exceeding that limit. The lessee may not prevent the lessor from carrying out urgent repairs necessary to preserve the leased premises. If such repairs impair the enjoyment of the premises, the lessee may seek a judgment rescinding the lease or reducing the rent. Nevertheless, the parties may agree otherwise.