It’s logical to doubt if any actions could have been taken to avoid criminal activity in your apartment building or rental home.
Even though your landlord is unlikely to live in the building and was not involved in the crime, they are nonetheless liable. A recent case in the press tragically highlights the importance of landlords taking property security seriously.
Alternatively, you can discuss your legal options with the professionals of Sattiraju & Tharney if your landlord refuses to improve building safety.
The Landlord Is Responsible for Maintaining a Safe Environment
When you claim for negligence, you’re informing the court that the defendant owed you a duty of care and breached it, resulting in damage.
However, the law does not impose many responsibilities on strangers.
You don’t owe anyone a duty, yet it would be good if you informed them about the ice on the pavement. However, there are those persons to whom you have a clear obligation.
Parents have a responsibility to their children, doctors have an obligation to their patients, and landlords are responsible to their renters. Your landlord may be responsible for those last obligations if your apartment building becomes a crime scene.
When it comes to protecting tenants, landlords have a responsibility. Among those responsibilities is ensuring that all rental properties comply with or exceed local safety regulations.
In reality, according to the Severino family’s lawsuit, the management business disregarded a municipal ordinance passed after a fatal shooting at the same complex in 2019.
How Should You Proceed?
If you or a guest is injured at the property due to a crime, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit for landlord negligence.
That doesn’t imply you may sue your landlord because you didn’t have a modern alarm system in your flat. The building’s security should be adequate but not flawless.
However, if you are the victim of a crime or feel uncomfortable, you must notify your landlord. It’s possible that this will be sufficient to motivate essential safety adjustments.
TAKEAWAY TIP: Any correspondence with your landlord should be saved as evidence of your efforts to resolve the issue. Depending on Your circumstances, a legal counsel may be able to assist you in determining whether it is justified to end a lease and move to a safer location without incurring financial penalties.
Interesting Related Article: “5 Top Steps to Protect Your Business from a Personal Injury Lawsuit“