This section is from the book "Real Estate Principles And Practices", by Philip A. Benson, Nelson L. North. Also available from Amazon: Real Estate Principles and Practices.
The covenant in the lease specifically made by a landlord is that of quiet enjoyment. There are implied covenants of possession and sometimes fitness for use. There is usually no warranty, as to the lease of a whole house, of habitability nor suitability. However if a landlord leases an apartment in a house, or an office in an office building, there is an implied covenant that the portions of the building used by all of the tenants are fit for the use for which they are intended. The implied covenant of possession is that the tenant can hold possession against everyone including the landlord. Of course, the landlord is usually allowed under the terms of the lease the right to show the property to another tenant or a purchaser for a short period before the expiration of the lease, and the lease also usually gives him the right to enter and make necessary repairs or comply with the requirements of governmental authorities. The important point for the tenant is that it is incumbent upon the landlord to accord him possession for the term of the lease subject only to its conditions.
 
Continue to: