There’s no place like home. And when you are at home, you should feel like you’re in the safest spot in the world, surrounded by those you love. This is why it’s especially frustrating to experience danger at home — because it can make us feel insecure in our own living space. When you are a renter, your landlord has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for everyone who is living in the home, including and especially the children who live there.
Here’s what you need to know about what your landlord is responsible for in terms of keeping you and your family safe inside your home.
PREMISES LIABILITY
Premises liability is a legal term that essentially means a property owner has a responsibility to make sure their property is safe and there are no defective conditions that could potentially harm someone. In order to win a premises liability case, an injured party has to prove the property owner was negligent in the maintenance, or upkeep of the property they were injured in. Did the property owner know or should reasonably have known the property was in an unsafe condition? Not only that, did they fail to take the necessary steps to repair the problem?
WHAT RESPONSIBILITY DOES YOUR LANDLORD HAVE REGARDING CHILD SAFETY?
When you are a tenant, you have the right to a safe home. Although there are no landlord responsibilities that have been specifically laid out for child tenants, there are certain rules that landlords must follow to keep everyone in the building safe.
Landlords are responsible to keep their buildings free of illegal activity. Many states require that each apartment has a deadbolt and pin lock installed so a tenant can secure their home. They are also responsible for keeping their buildings free of illegal activity such as the buying and selling of illegal drugs. If the landlord discovers a tenant in their building is participating in this illicit activity, they should evict the tenant.
Additionally, landlords are responsible for keeping the building itself safe. They need to disclose information concerning any environmental toxins present in the building. They are required to have fire exits, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in every unit as well.
Are you a tenant who’s child has been endangered or injured due to the negligence of a landlord in Georgia? You may be entitled to compensation for your child’s injuries. Call the Fry Law team, today, at 404-969-1284, to schedule a consultation.
