If you rent property in Florida, it is beneficial for you to understand how to protect your rights and interests. Landlords have the responsibility to do certain things for their tenants, including ensuring the property is safe and secure. However, as a renter, it is smart for you to understand the landlord’s responsibilities involving criminal activity.
Criminal activity can pose a threat to your physical safety, and to a certain extent, your landlord is responsible for issues that take place on his or her personal property. If you suffered harm as a result of criminal activity that took place near or on the property you rent, you may wonder who is to blame and how you can protect yourself.
Answers to your important safety questions
If you suffered harm while in your rented residence, you likely have various questions regarding your rights, the property owner’s responsibility and more. Some of these concerns may include:
- Is the landlord responsible for crimes committed by individuals who are not tenants? There are various things a landlord can do to lower the chances that you will suffer harm due to crime, including placing proper locks on doors and installing security systems.
- Is the landlord responsible for your personal safety? To a certain extent, the landlord is responsible for the protection of the people who live on their property. They should have certain safety measures in place, as well as ensure renters are not exposed to unnecessary risks.
If you believe your landlord is responsible for the harm you experienced, you would be wise not to waste any time in learning about the legal options that could be available to you. It might be possible for you to bring a civil claim against the liable party in order to seek compensation for your pain, suffering and financial losses.
Protecting renters’ rights
You have the right to take certain measures and explore your legal options after suffering an injury on your landlord’s property or inside your own home. A compete evaluation of your case can help you understand the appropriate course of action, which may include a civil claim against your landlord.
Simply because you do not own your home does not mean you do not have rights. You have the right to a presumption of safety and freedom from exposure to unnecessary safety risks and threats. If you experienced a violation of these rights or others, you do not have to face this alone.