Opportunities to get hurt exist nearly anywhere you go. You can slip on a spill at the grocery store or trip in your office parking lot. While you know that property owners are responsible for providing a safe place for their patrons to shop or work, you may wonder if your landlord has the same liabilities. The home you rent should be a safe place, but who should take the steps to keep it safe?
According to FindLaw, your landlord should ensure the building and unit you live in is safe and free of illegal and criminal activity. He or she may take the following precautions:
- Making sure an apartment building is up to code and that the wiring and fixtures are properly maintained
- Providing functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Removing harmful elements like asbestos and lead paint or informing prospective tenants that these elements may exist in the home
- Providing working locks on all doors leading outside
- Evicting tenants who were involved in dangerous or illegal activities
You may also do your part to understand common home dangers and keep your home safe. However, much of the responsibility falls to your landlord. Landlords’ safety liabilities include the grounds and common areas. For example, he or she should spread a de-icer on walkways when it is icy and repair an unstable handrail on an outside stairwell.
Your landlord may be held responsible for failing to keep the property safe, resulting in your injury. This information is not meant to replace the advice of a lawyer.