If you rent a property, you might wonder if your landlord is responsible if you get injured on the premises. In Alabama, landlords can be held accountable for certain injuries that happen on their rental properties. Understanding when landlords are liable can help protect your rights.
Landlord’s responsibility for property upkeep
Landlords must maintain the property in a safe condition. This includes ensuring common areas like hallways, stairwells, and parking lots are safe for tenants and visitors. If a landlord neglects to fix dangerous conditions like broken stairs or loose handrails, and someone gets hurt as a result, the landlord could be held responsible for the injury.
However, a landlord’s liability depends on whether the injury was caused by a condition they knew about or should have known about, and if they failed to fix it in a reasonable time.
When tenants are responsible for injuries
While landlords maintain the property, tenants must also care for their rented space. If an injury occurs because of something the tenant caused, like a cluttered hallway or faulty equipment they didn’t report, the tenant may be liable.
In some cases, tenants may be responsible for repairs. If they fail to maintain certain aspects of the property and an injury occurs, the tenant could be at fault.
Legal protections for tenants
Alabama law protects tenants from unsafe conditions. If you’re injured due to the landlord’s negligence, you may be able to file a premises liability claim. This allows you to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and damages. However, these cases can be complex, so it’s important to document unsafe conditions and communicate with your landlord.
Landlords should regularly inspect and repair their rental properties to ensure safety. Prompt repairs and clear communication with tenants about safety can prevent accidents and protect both parties.
In the end, landlords are responsible for injuries caused by conditions they know about or should know about. If you suffer an injury, knowing your rights as a tenant is essential to holding the responsible parties accountable.