Crime and Landlord Liability

According to most state laws, landlords have at least some degree of legal responsibility to protect their tenants from criminal acts. This is especially true if similar crimes have occurred on the property in the past. If, as a landlord, you have failed to implement proper security measures, you are likely to be held responsible for the problem.

To avoid liability and ensure the safety of your tenants, there are a number of things you can do:

• Make sure you have met all state and local security laws regarding the property. This includes requirements such as deadbolt locks for doors, good lighting and window locks.



• Educate your tenants about any crime in the neighborhood and ask what added security measures would help reduce their risk of being victims of crime. Any information provided regarding dangerous situations, suspicious activities or broken security items should be addressed immediately either with repairs or the proper law enforcement officials. Failing to address complaints leaves you with a higher level of liability should a criminal act occur following a tenant’s relevant grievance.

Although some security measures, such as installing and maintaining security features, may be costly in the short term, they will pay off in the long run in providing a safer environment and added peace of mind for you and your tenants.