If you rent a home, it is understandable to be confused on what is your responsibility and what is the responsibility of the landlord. Especially if there is an accident on the property, it is important to understand the principle of premises liability and how it relates to your rights as a renter.
Premises liability is a legal concept which states that property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions throughout their property. If the property owner fails in this responsibility, and this failure results in an accident that causes injuries, the victim can seek compensation for their injuries from the property owner.
Property owners have the same responsibility to the tenets of a property that they rent out. There is a legal expectation that the landlord will maintain the home and eliminate any unsafe conditions. If the landlord fails to do so, there can be severe legal repercussions.
However, the tenant is not entirely without responsibilities. Though large scale neglect such as foundation issues or rotting walls are the responsibility of the landlord, the tenant is still expected to maintain safe conditions to the best of their abilities and as specified in their lease. Smaller maintenance issues such as cleanliness and tripping hazards will usually be the responsibility of the tenant. This of course also includes any hazards that the tenant brings into the property themselves. As a rule, if it is a responsibility of the tenant to maintain, then they will be liable if they fail in that responsibility.
The specific duties of the tenant and landlord, including who is liable for what, can vary depending on the agreements made in the lease. This is why it is very important to be aware of what you are agreeing to when you sign your lease. Even as the renter, you can find yourself in serious legal issues if there is an accident on the property.
Though the concept of premises liability is relatively simple, its execution can be very complicated. Especially in the situation of a rental property, it is important to speak with a skilled premises liability attorney in your area. Your attorney, like a personal injury lawyer Atlanta GA trusts will be able to break down the specific laws of your state and review your lease to make sure you are protected and defended against legal action. With the expertise of a premises liability attorney on your side, you can avoid much of the stress and headache involved in a premises liability lawsuit.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into premises liability for home renters.
