Landlord Premises Liability

The owner of any real property is obligated make a reasonable attempt to maintain the property in such a way as to provide a safe environment for the people who use that property. This applies to employees and customers at businesses, workers at construction sites, and tenants and their guests at rental properties. When a tenant rents an apartment, house or any other space to live in, the landlord needs to provide a unit that is structurally adequate, and generally free of obviously dangerous elements. In most cases, rental property owners conscientiously provide safe housing for their tenants, but unfortunately there are exceptions.

In a lease agreement spelling out the landlord-tenant relationship, there are obligations that the tenant has to the landlord, as well as obligations that the landlord has to the tenant. However, above and beyond the lease agreement, each person involved has basic legal obligations. In the case of the landlord, these additional obligations generally relate to avoiding unnecessarily hazardous situations.

• The landlord has a responsibility for the basic structural integrity of the building. This includes making repairs in a timely fashion as the need arises.

• The landlord is responsible for ensuring that the building meets fire and electrical codes. Again, this includes making repairs in a timely fashion.

• The landlord may be responsible for sidewalks or parking areas. For example, if the lease does not stipulate that the tenant will be responsible for snow removal, then the landlord may be responsible.

There may also be other cases in which a landlord may be considered to be liable for injuries on his or her property. If you have been injured in an accident at the home that you rent, and you believe that the landlord did not make a reasonable effort to provide you with a safe living environment, you need to speak with a Denver premises liability attorney as soon as possible. Claims in civil court have a statute of limitations, a time limit, and you need to give your attorney time to put together the strongest case possible.

Keith Fuicelli is a Denver premises liability attorney who is committed to helping tenants recover who have been injured by dangerous rental homes. Keith believes in communicating openly and honestly with clients, and if he takes your case he will fight as hard as he can to get you the best possible outcome. For more information and a FREE CONSULTATION, contact Keith at Fuicelli and Lee at (303)355-7202.