The Landlord–Tenant Dynamic Landlords have a legal obligation to maintain a safe and secure environment for tenants. If the landlord breaches that duty of care, causing injury to a tenant, and the tenant suffers damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, the tenant can file a personal injury claim.
Landlords are typically responsible for common areas (e.g., hallways, stairwells, parking areas, sidewalks); electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems; adequate lighting in common areas; addressing known hazards within a reasonable amount of time; and maintaining proper security/safety measures.
However, landlords are not liable for every injury that occurs on rental properties. Sometimes the tenant is injured due to their own carelessness. And landlords generally can’t be held liable for hazards they were unaware of, provided they had no reasonable way of knowing about them. That’s why tenants should always promptly report any problems to their landlord.
In addition, landlords typically won’t be held responsible for injuries incurred inside a tenant’s apartment as a result of a tenant’s actions (e.g., a doorway collapses due to a pull-up bar). However, if the landlord knew of a hazard prior to the tenant moving in but did nothing to address it, that’s another story.
In some circumstances, property management companies, maintenance contractors, and product manufacturers may also share liability for a tenant’s injuries.
All tenants should diligently read their lease before signing on the dotted line. A lease is designed to lay out landlord and tenant responsibilities. The importance may be magnified for someone renting a house, where outdoor property may come into play.
If you are injured due to landlord negligence, contact our firm for a free consultation.
