Negligent Landlords and Property Damage

Negligent Landlords and Property Damage Claims

When a landlord fails to maintain a rental property, the results can range from serious physical injuries to significant property losses. California law holds landlords to a duty of reasonable care for the property they own and control. When that duty is ignored, tenants and others injured or harmed on the property may have legal recourse.

Common Forms of Landlord Negligence

Landlord negligence can take many forms. Common examples include allowing structural hazards such as broken stairs or defective railings to go unrepaired, failing to maintain plumbing and water systems, ignoring known mold or pest infestations, and leaving common areas unsafe and poorly lit.

• Water intrusion, plumbing failures, and mold damage
• Structural defects and unsafe common areas
• Pest and rodent infestations affecting habitability
• Damage caused by neighboring units or deferred maintenance
• Failure to repair after written notice from the tenant
• Disputes with insurance carriers over coverage and valuation

Pursuing a Negligent Landlord Claim

A successful claim requires showing the landlord knew or should have known about the hazardous condition, had a reasonable opportunity to correct it, and failed to do so. Detailed documentation, written repair requests, and records of the resulting damage are essential to building a strong case. Baghikian Law works with clients to gather and present that evidence.