When must landlord update electrical outlets?

Q: I live in an older building and my apartment doesn't have enough electrical outlets. Isn't the owner required to add more or update the system?

A: Depends of what condition the system is in. A property owner is normally required to keep a place "fit and habitable," which is defined in most places by state law and sometimes honed by county, city, village or town laws as well. "Habitable" means that the rental unit is fit for occupation or "suitable to be lived in." Unfortunately, what's considered "suitable" for some dwellers may not suit other folks at all.

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