Section 27-40-20 - Purposes; rules of construction(a) This chapter must be liberally construed and applied to promote its underlying purposes and policies.(b) Underlying purposes and policies of this chapter are:(1) to simplify, clarify, modernize, and revise the law governing rental of dwelling units and the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants;(2) to encourage landlords and tenants to maintain and improve the quality of housing.1986 Act No. 336, Section 1.