Criminal attacks and assaults can result in very serious injuries, PTSD, and some are fatal. Renters who are attacked in their homes, and their guest, may be able to recover compensation for their injuries if the landlord failed to provide adequate security. Each situation is unique. Some security measures, such as working locks and adequate lighting in common areas, are very basic and considered necessary in all rental situations. Properties with a history of crime require heightened security. To find out if your landlord can be held liable for your injuries resulting from a criminal attack, please talk to an experienced Las Vegas premises liability attorney right away.
Basic Security Measures
Landlords have a duty to take basic security measures including:
- Working door locks which have been changed prior to renting to new tenant
- Working window locks
- Working alarm systems, which tenants have been taught how to use
- Security cameras
- Adequate lighting in parking lots and both indoor and outdoor common areas
- Proper building access controls
- Proper key controls
- Adequate security personnel
- Regular property maintenance to spot and repair damage that could compromise security, such as broken locks and malfunctioning cameras
- Timely and adequate response to tenant complaints of suspected criminal activity on the property
Landlords need to take action appropriate to heightened dangers in the neighborhood or on the property. That could include installing bars on windows, more frequent and visible monitoring by security personnel, and other measures.
Know Criminal Activity of Other Tenants
Landlords can be held liable for criminal activity of other tenants. They have a duty to avoid renting to drug dealers, for instance, and can be held liable if you or your guests are harmed by another tenant that was known to be engaging in criminal activity or their guests.
Landlords who rent to drug dealers can face very serious consequences beyond civil liability for injuries to other tenants and guests. They may face criminal penalties and the rental property may be seized.
Dangerous Property Managers
Property managers have access to your home, typically have keys, and are often aware of your comings and goings and daily routine. Landlords have a duty to carefully screen when hiring property managers and can be held liable for crimes they commit against tenants including theft, physical attacks, sexual assault, intimidation, harassment and violations of privacy such as secretly filming tenants inside of their homes.
If you have been the victim of a crime in Las Vegas, and believe that your landlord failed to provide adequate security, call Adam Smith Law at 702-929-2289 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
Adam Smith Law