What can a tenant do if his apartment property manager refuses to transfer him while construction occurs?

I know a guy who is thinking of withholding his rent check because he could not use his bedroom or any water last week in his apartment due to mildew construction being done in his bedroom and bathroom. He stayed by a friend last week but has to leave now and the management told him construction will not be offered and if he transfers he will have to pay a $250 fee.