When is my landlord liable for an accident?
Do you rent or lease an apartment or house in California? If so, you have certain rights as a tenant under the law. There are more than 600,00 rental units in Los Angeles County alone. If your hurt in an accident in your own home or a common area of the property your landlord may be liable.
Injuries that may result in a personal injury case:
Do you suspect you were injured or became ill as a result of your landlord’s negligence? It is possible that the conditions of the residence or premises you’re renting played a role in your injury and you may be entitled to compensation. Here are some examples of situations that could lead to a personal injury lawsuit:
- You get an electric shock because your home’s wiring isn’t up to code
- You fall due broken stairs in the building
- You’re attacked by a dangerous dog that the landlord knew lived on the premises.
- You get sick because of mold or infestations in your apartment.
Your landlord has a responsibility to keep the property in a safe, habitable condition for you and all other tenants. Any failure to do so may cause them to be liable if you get injured in an accident. Landlords are not always liable for injuries that occur at their properties though. Landlords are only liable for tenants’ injuries when their actions or inactions were considered careless and caused or contributed to the injury.
When you rent a home in California, the law states tenants have implied warranty of habitability. Implied warranty of habitability means that your rental must be in a livable condition. Your landlord is required to provide you with a space that’s reasonably safe and free from dangers.
In CA, landlords must ensure that your rental has:
- Plumbing and gas systems that are up to city codes
- A functioning heating system
- Electric that’s installed properly and in good working order
- Effective waterproofing and weather protection
- Floors, stairways, and hand railings in good condition
- Your home also must be clean, sanitary, and free from all debris, garbage, and rodents.
Tenants have certain protections under the state laws in California. If your landlord breaks these laws and an injury occurs, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
If you’ve been in accident at your rental and believe your landlord is at fault, give us a call today at (800) 750- 8WIN to discuss what happened. Consultations with our experienced attorneys are free and they can evaluate the situation and advise you whether filing a personal injury case against your landlord is the best course of action.
