This depends on the nature of the repairs. If the tenant fails to pay rent, even because the landlord has failed to make repairs, then the landlord could bring an action against the tenant. The best way to avoid this situation is to have open communication between the landlord and the tenant to avoid litigation. If this is unsuccessful, then the parties should seriously consider mediation, which can be done pre-litigation. Mediation in these types of disputes is more cost effective than litigation.