{"id":369272,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenant-safety-and-landlord-liability.html"},"modified":"2026-09-30T11:45:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T16:45:00","slug":"tenant-safety-and-landlord-liability","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenant-safety-and-landlord-liability.html","title":{"rendered":"Tenant Safety and Landlord Liability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Tenant Safety and Landlord Liability<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-mccall-j-d\/\">Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 30, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>Landlords must maintain safe, habitable rentals by following building codes, addressing hazards, and reducing exposure to criminal activity.<\/li>\n<li>Unsafe conditions or ignored reports can increase a landlord\u2019s liability, leading to fines, lawsuits, or eviction claims tied to lease violations.<\/li>\n<li>Tenants can protect themselves by inspecting the unit, documenting problems, notifying the landlord in writing, and using remedies like repair\u2011and\u2011deduct, escrow, or legal action when allowed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<p>Property owners and their business partners, including property managers and landlords, have a duty\u00a0to prevent injury on their property. Tenants have the right to a safe home. If a landlord fails to maintain a safe rental property, they risk consequences, including fines and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/premises-liability-who-is-responsible.html\">personal injury lawsuits.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Safety is an essential factor for renters. No one wants to live in a home covered in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenant-lead-law-rental-property-lead-disclosures-faq.html\">lead-based paint<\/a> or insulation containing asbestos. Safety also includes an environment free of criminal activity.<\/p>\n<p>This article explains a landlord&#8217;s legal responsibility to keep their tenants safe during the term of their tenancy. If your landlord still won\u2019t act, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a local attorney<\/a> can escalate the issue, pressure your landlord to act, or file a claim to protect your rights and safety.<\/p>\n<h2>Warranty of Habitability<\/h2>\n<p>Every lease or rental agreement includes an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-is-the-implied-warranty-of-habitability.html\">implied warranty of habitability<\/a>. The law reads this warranty into every rental or lease agreement. Under the warranty of habitability, the rental premises are suitable for human occupancy. At a minimum, this means the landlord has followed local building or housing codes and ordinances.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/licenses-and-permits-overview.html\">Building codes<\/a> often address the structural integrity of the rental unit and the tenant&#8217;s health and safety. For example, a rodent infestation can harm a renter&#8217;s health, so landlords must fix it. Landlords are also responsible for maintaining common areas, such as staircases, laundry rooms, and the building&#8217;s entryway.<\/p>\n<h2>Criminal Activity<\/h2>\n<p>A landlord&#8217;s responsibility includes ensuring the property is free from criminal activity. While landlords are not responsible for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/preventing-crime-in-and-around-rental-property.html\">preventing all crime<\/a>, they can limit tenants&#8217; exposure to it. Under many local laws, rental properties should have a deadbolt lock on the door. This helps renters secure their living space.<\/p>\n<p>Landlords may also take other security measures, such as installing a security system and exterior lights. They can trim tall plants to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/faq-landlord-responsibilities-criminal-activities.html\">discourage criminal activity<\/a> and increase visibility.<\/p>\n<h3>Proactive Measures for Landlords To Prevent Crime<\/h3>\n<p>Landlords must keep their buildings free of illegal activity, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-dealing-and-drug-sales-charges.html\">drug dealing.<\/a> Most leases have a provision banning illegal activity within the rental units. If the landlord discovers unlawful activity, they can start eviction proceedings based on a lease violation. Landlords can reduce risk by running a background check, including criminal history, on all prospective tenants.<\/p>\n<p>A landlord&#8217;s liability will rise if they fail to respond to a tenant&#8217;s report of suspicious activity. If a tenant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/liability-for-tenant-injuries-and-insurance-for-landlords.html\">sustains an injury<\/a> because of this failure, the landlord may face lawsuits or constructive eviction.<\/p>\n<h2>Dangerous Conditions<\/h2>\n<p>Unsafe rental properties may often threaten a tenant&#8217;s safety and well-being. Older buildings must conform to building codes and current safety codes. Ensuring the building meets code is part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenant-rights.html\">landlord&#8217;s responsibilities<\/a>. These responsibilities include ensuring the rental property does not contain lead or dangerous materials.<\/p>\n<p>Often, cities and states require landlords to do the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenant-lead-law-rental-property-lead-disclosures-faq.html\">Disclose environmental toxins<\/a>\u00a0to renters before they sign the rental agreement<\/li>\n<li>Install fire exits or smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each unit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Landlords must also make reasonable repairs to improve building safety. However, they are not required to complete <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/construction-law-overview.html\">significant renovations<\/a> before leasing a property.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>\u00a0If\u00a0you\u2019ve sustained an injury because your landlord failed to fix a dangerous condition, you have rights. A personal injury attorney can assess the situation, gather evidence, and determine whether their negligence caused your injury.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find an attorney near you.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>How Can Tenants Assert Their Rights?<\/h2>\n<p>Although the landlord must ensure the rental property or apartment building is safe, tenants can t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/state-by-state-chart-of-landlord-and-tenant-laws.html\">ake measures to protect themselves<\/a>. Their options include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Understanding their tenant rights<\/li>\n<li>Learning about the local crime statistics or reaching out to local law enforcement, as crime statistics can offer a snapshot of a neighborhood&#8217;s safety<\/li>\n<li>Viewing the rental in person<\/li>\n<li>Asking questions about the building<\/li>\n<li>Checking the condition of the smoke detectors, electrical sockets, and ventilation systems<\/li>\n<li>Completing a security deposit checklist and identifying any structural or safety concerns<\/li>\n<li>Getting\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/renter-s-insurance.html\">renter&#8217;s insurance<\/a>, which offers peace of mind for any damage to or theft of the tenant&#8217;s property<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Legal Remedies for Renters in an Unsafe Building<\/h2>\n<p>A tenant who observes an unsafe condition or criminal activity on the rental property should give their landlord written notice. If tenants observe criminal acts on the rental property, they should contact local law enforcement.<\/p>\n<p>If the landlord fails to address the issue, the tenant has several options for relief, depending on the issue. First, the tenant should give the landlord a reasonable amount of time <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/is-my-landlord-responsible-for-repairs.html\">to fix the problem<\/a>. A reasonable time frame varies by situation. For example, a broken lock requires more urgency than changing a light bulb.<\/p>\n<p>In some cases, tenants can repair the issue themselves and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/how-does-a-tenant-use-repair-and-deduct.html\">deduct the repair costs<\/a> from the next month&#8217;s rent. Tenants should check local and state laws to confirm the details of this plan. In some states and local communities, the tenant can pay rent into an escrow account until the landlord repairs the problem. Otherwise, the tenant&#8217;s actions may trigger an eviction process for nonpayment of rent.<\/p>\n<h2>Is Your Rental Home Unsafe? Get Legal Help<\/h2>\n<div data-testid=\"ai-message-body\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"sU4f9PThLHcfjAjuGHvK1-content-0\">\n<p>If your rental home is unsafe due to crime or needed repairs, you don\u2019t have to navigate the problem alone. A landlord\u2011tenant attorney can explain your rights, document safety violations, and push your landlord to act. Sometimes, pressure from an attorney is what a landlord needs to take the issue seriously and correct it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>FindLaw\u2019s directory of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landlord-tenant lawyers<\/a> can get you started. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of legal professionals in your area. Because your state laws are relevant, your attorney should be licensed in the state where the injury occurred. Your search results will also show important details about prospective attorneys, like ratings, areas of practice, and whether they offer free consultations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g 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20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div 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<fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n               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          class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation for your injury on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex real estate issues (such as construction defects or illegal landlord actions) may need an attorney&#8217;s support\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or landlord-tenant issues can benefit from legal expertise. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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