The landlord's obligation under s 48(1)(a) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1999 (NT) to ensure premises are 'habitable' is not one of strict or absolute liability but requires only 'reasonable steps'. The concept of habitability is not confined to matters arising within the physical premises — the quality of water or other services supplied by third parties can render premises uninhabitable. However, a finding that premises are uninhabitable does not, without more, establish a breach by the landlord; the tenant must also show the landlord failed to take reasonable steps. The content of the 'reasonable steps' obligation involves a multifactorial assessment, the details of which remain to be determined.
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