Business Law- Landlord Liability

Robert Young

Columbia Southern University

LANDLORD LIABILITY

BUSINESS LAW

LANDLORD LIABILITY

Landlords have a responsibility to protect their tenants from potential hazards that may be or may become present on their premises. That being said, to what extent may a landlord be held liable for injuries caused by defects on the premises? Can a landlord be held liable for injuries caused by the crimes of third persons?

Landlords must safeguard their interest by showing genuine concern for their tenants as well as their property. The health, safety, and well-being of the tenant must be protected the use of the premises. In the past years landlord-tenant relationships have been established to a lease agreement. (Miller, 2011) The landlord must understand their rights and responsibilities as well as the rights and responsibility of their tenants. There are four broad areas of concern that pertain to the rights and duty of landlords and tenants-the possession, use, maintenance of leased property and rent. The landlord has an obligation to deliver possession of the property to the tenant at the beginning of the lease and the tenant has the right to obtain possession until the end of the lease. (Miller, 2011) During both periods both parties have a responsibility to the use and maintenance of the premises. The tenant’s usage of the property must be reasonable and must not injure the landlord’s interest. The tenant also has the responsibility to refrain for damaging the property intentionally or negligently. The tenant must report all damages to the landlord either orally or in writing. The landlord must ensure that the premises remain in a habitable state or condition that is safe. The landlord must keep the property in good repair. All deficiencies must be repaired within a timely manner. (Miller, 2011)

A landlord can be held liable for dangerous conditions existing or injury occurring on property. It must be proven that the landlord was negligent in...