Common use of DESTRUCTION OR DAMAGE TO PREMISES Clause in Contracts

DESTRUCTION OR DAMAGE TO PREMISES. If the dwelling unit or premises are damaged or destroyed by fire or casualty to the extent that normal use and occupancy of the dwelling unit is substantially impaired, the Tenant may immediately vacate the premises and notify the Landlord in writing within seven days thereafter of Tenant's intention to terminate the rental agreement, in which case the rental agreement terminates as of the date of vacating; or if continued occupancy is lawful, vacate any part of the dwelling unit rendered unusable by the fire or casualty, in which case the Tenant's liability for rent is reduced in proportion to the diminution in the fair-market rental value of the dwelling unit. If the rental agreement is terminated, the Landlord shall return the security deposit and all prepaid rent. Accounting for rent in the event of termination or apportionment must be made as of the date of the fire or casualty.