When you rent a property, you expect the landlord to maintain more than just habitable conditions. Georgia’s landlord-tenant handbook discusses the requirements of each party in a residential setting. Thus, when your right or that of a family member is violated on the property, you may have grounds to file a liability claim.
However, it will help to know when a landlord’s negligence is considered to play a part in an injury. Here are a few situations for which you may be able to hold your landlord liable.
Mold issues
Being exposed to mold can lead to allergic reactions like coughing, runny nose, fatigue, headache, itchy eyes, sneezing and breathing difficulties. Prolonged exposure can worsen the symptoms and potentially cause respiratory issues. In addition, mold can damage property, including furniture, clothes, shoes and other personal items.
Therefore, if you have mold in your house, you should notify your landlord as soon as you become aware of it. If they fail to act accordingly, causing you to have mold infection symptoms and lose some of your properties, you may file a claim.
Poor security measures
It is unsafe to live on a property that is easily accessible to intruders. Broken windows, doors or locks, especially in the parking lot or common areas, can increase the chances of theft or other criminal activity. If a landlord fails to improve security measures, they may be considered negligent.
Faulty wiring
A landlord may have received substandard electrical services in the past, which may have led to faulty wiring. If a tenant gets an electric shock, or worse, it results in a fire, the landlord may be held responsible. Landlords should ensure that their buildings receive quality services. Further, your landlord should have inspected the electrical work when it was done.
Being physically injured or attacked in a rented property may put the liability on the landlord. Having legal guidance can help you assess your case carefully to determine the next steps.
