A New Haven, CT, landlord was arrested recently after one of her tenants fell off a second-story porch when a railing broke. According to an Associated Press story, the landlord had failed to address 28 code violations that were brought to her attention during inspections at the three-family home she owned in 2009. The tenant was seriously injured in the fall.
Such a story is tragic and completely preventable. The failure to fix problems that were two years old amounts to negligence on the part of the landlord. A landlord’s duties go far beyond tenant screening for qualified renters and collecting monthly rental payments. A landlord is responsible for property maintenance so that it remains not just an aesthetically appealing home but a safe one as well. Necessary repairs should be made promptly upon hearing about anything that is broken or has not been properly maintained.
To make this an easy part of the job, the landlord should stay in frequent contact with the tenant, taking complaints seriously and asking frequently whether everything in the home is in good working condition. And to avoid liability and other legal trouble, the landlord should always promptly address any issues that arise, either through the tenant or through the various codes and other rules governing properties in the area.
No decent landlord wants to be on the wrong side of the law or cause harm to a tenant. Common sense and a good handyman on call can help landlords avoid such tragedy.
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