Tenants and guests can be hurt in a slip and fall accident at a rental property in apartment complexes, townhouses, and duplexes. A landlord has a duty to maintain the rental property in reasonable repair and not allow unsafe conditions to exist on the property that would cause harm to tenants or their guests. Tenants have the right to live in a rental property that is reasonably safe from hazards. Slip and falls are usually caused by dangerous conditions that exist in a tenant’s unit or a common area of the property. Such hazards include unstable balconies or decks; slippery floors; falling objects; lack of lighting in staircases, parking lots and sidewalks; broken stairs and railings; and other unsafe conditions.
A landlord is often required to comply with various health or safety laws, and their failure to do so may make the landlord liable for any resulting injuries. In addition, violations of county housing codes may prove that the landlord knew of the defect but failed to fix it.
Be certain to immediately report to the landlord any dangerous condition at the rental property and make copies of emails, texts and letters you sent to the landlord about the dangerous condition. Keep a log of each time you called to ask for help and what the landlord or property manager said in response. Make sure you write down the name of the person you spoke with and the time and date, and retain any phone records listing the calls.
If you have been injured at your rental and believe your landlord caused your injuries, contact Burnside Law Firm LLP to discuss your claim. Our attorneys can evaluate the situation and advise you of the best course of action.
