Landlords in Virginia have a legal duty to maintain safe living conditions for their tenants. If a tenant suffers an injury on the property, certain legal conditions may point to the landlord’s liability.
Understanding when a landlord is responsible for a premises liability accident can help you know your rights.
When is a landlord responsible for tenant injuries?
A landlord may be responsible for tenant injuries if the injury occurs due to the landlord’s negligence. Negligence is a factor when a landlord fails to maintain the property in a safe condition. For example, if you slip on a broken staircase that the landlord knew about and did not repair, you can hold them liable.
To hold a landlord responsible, you must prove three key points:
- The landlord knew or should have known about the hazard
- The landlord failed to fix the hazard
- The hazard caused the injury
If you can establish that your injury happened because the landlord knew about a hazard and failed to fix it despite their legal obligation to do so, you can recover compensation.
What types of hazards can lead to landlord liability?
Several hazards on a rental property can lead to tenant injuries. Common examples include broken stairs, poor lighting in common areas and plumbing issues. The landlord must also consistently follow building codes and safety regulations. Landlords have a responsibility to prevent harm to tenants by promptly addressing such issues.
Tenants should document the injury and the hazardous condition. They should also report the hazard to the landlord immediately. Taking these steps can ensure you have a valid premises liability claim.
