{"id":369206,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/faq-landlord-responsibilities-criminal-activities.html"},"modified":"2026-09-10T17:54:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T22:54:00","slug":"faq-landlord-responsibilities-criminal-activities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/faq-landlord-responsibilities-criminal-activities.html","title":{"rendered":"Landlord FAQ: Your Responsibility for Preventing Crime on Your Property"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Landlord FAQ: Your Responsibility for Preventing Crime on Your Property<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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Landlords must take reasonable steps to keep their properties safe, and their liability for crime generally depends on whether they met that duty. Crime can affect property values, and rental property owners should stay aware of neighborhood crime trends and comply with all local safety requirements. Careful tenant screening, prompt security fixes, and clear lease terms about illegal activity can help landlords reduce risk and limit liability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Landlords have varying degrees of liability for criminal activity on their rental property. Their liability depends on the type of crime and their duty to their tenant. For example, landlords must keep their rental property safe and take reasonable measures to protect their tenants.<\/p>\n

This article answers common questions about landlord responsibility and liability for criminal activities on their rental property. You can also talk to a landlord-tenant attorney<\/a> near you for targeted legal advice. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your liability if a crime occurs on your property and explain your legal obligations under state and local laws.<\/p>\n

What Is the Relationship Between Crime and Property Values?<\/h2>\n

Different types of crimes negatively impact a property’s value. Violent crimes, like homicide and proximity to persons on a sex offender registry, can hurt the valuation of real property. Most homebuyers and renters don’t want to live in those communities. Prospective buyers should do their due diligence before moving forward with a real estate transaction.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Fair Housing Act<\/a> (FHA) prohibits real estate industry professionals, like realtors and real estate agents, from commenting on a neighborhood’s safety. Questions about crime rates or demographics are often perceived as discriminatory. Potential property owners should check with their local police department or public safety officers to avoid violating federal law.<\/p>\n

Is a Landlord Responsible for Tenant Safety?<\/h2>\n

State laws and local ordinances govern a property owner’s\u00a0responsibility for tenant safety<\/a>. Your local housing codes are also a good source of a landlord’s responsibility for tenant safety. Housing codes often determine the safety measures landlords should follow. These safety measures include external and internal locks.<\/p>\n

Landlords should know neighborhood crime rates and past criminal activity near their property. This information will help landlords take steps to protect their tenants.<\/p>\n

What Is the Relationship Between Crime Rates and the Real Estate Market?<\/h2>\n

Criminal activity, or the lack thereof, can drive housing prices in either direction. An increase in local crime can depress sale prices, while a decrease in local crime can stabilize a housing market. Prospective property owners should check the last year’s crime records as part of their due diligence<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How Can I Determine the Crime Rate in a Given Area?<\/h2>\n

Prospective tenants, buyers, and landlords can research crime trends by reviewing publicly available data from local law enforcement agencies. Many agencies publish neighborhood statistics on their websites and social media channels. Social platforms like Nextdoor<\/a> can also be helpful.<\/p>\n

You can also use crime mapping tools that compile police reports and display incidents by location, giving you a clearer picture of patterns over time. You can also contact your local police or community safety officers directly to ask questions and gain insight. Consider attending community meetings as well.<\/p>\n

How Can Landlords Limit Their Responsibility for the Criminal Acts of Non-Tenants?<\/h2>\n

Yes, landlords can take steps to reduce the chances of crimes on the rental property and limit their liability<\/a>. Consider the following:<\/p>\n