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DRAFT FOR ATTORNEY REVIEW — NOT FINAL

King v. Moorehead, 495 S.W.2d 65 (1973)

Citation
King v. Moorehead, 495 S.W.2d 65 (1973)
Parent Document
King v. Moorehead, 495 S.W.2d 65 (1973)
Jurisdiction
Missouri (state)
Effective Date
1973-04-02

Other Sections in This Document (163)

Full Text

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The first affirmative defense alleged that the rental agreement was illegal, void and unenforceable because in violation of the Housing Code of Kansas City, Missouri.1 The defense pleaded as exhibits numerous provisions of the Code, among them, Section 20.16 which renders it unlawful for any person to use or occupy, or for any owner to permit any dwell*68ing unit to be used or occupied, as a place for human habitation unless in compliance with the requirements of the Code, and declaring any building for habitation and which" does not conform to the regulations to be a nuisance; and, Section 20.34 which requires the owner of a dwelling to maintain it in good order and repair and fit for human habitation; and, Section 20.10 which renders a violation of the Code a misdemeanor and provides for a fine of not more than $100 for each offense. The defendant also alleged fourteen specific conditions, including rodent and vermin infestation, defective and dangerous electrical wiring, leaking roof, inoperative toilet stool, unsound and unsafe ceilings, which at the time of letting the plaintiff knew or should have known were in violation of the Housing Code and rendered the premises unfit for human habitation.2 In consequence, the defendant alleged the unen-forceability of the rental agreement in the pending action. The second affirmative defense reasserted the allegations of the illegality defense and further alleged that at the time of the letting, plaintiff impliedly covenanted to provide premises in a safe, sanitary and habitable condition, and to so maintain them in compliance with state and local laws, including the provisions of the Housing Code. This defense also alleged that the refusal of the plaintiff to abate the conditions constituting violations of the Housing Code rendered the premises wholly unsuitable for human habitation, was a substantial breach of the implied covenant, and amounted to a failure of consideration on the part of the plaintiff so as to relieve' defendant of her obligation to pay rent in whole or in substantial part.3