Landlords have the critical responsibility of keeping their tenants safe. The landlord earns a living from the rent monies paid by the tenants each month. In exchange, the landlord should supply safe housing. Landlords are obligated to comply with federal, state, and local regulations regarding fire safety. Landlords are required to adhere to applicable building codes. If there are security concerns, a landlord is responsible for understanding and remedying the problem. Landlords are responsible for repairing maintenance and repair issues, particularly those that pose a safety concern. Beyond the legal requirements, tenant safety should be a landlord’s number one priority. Below are a few examples of safety measures that should be taken by every landlord:

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors 
• Smoke Detectors
• Fire Escapes 
• Adequate Methods of Egress 
• Emergency Exit Plans
• Window Screens 
• Fire Extinguishers
• Secure Locks and Entry Points 
• Outdoor Lighting 
• Well-Maintained Staircases 
• Property Security

Sometimes, landlords do not implement these safety measures for a very bad reason: it will cost them money. If a landlord does not make safety their number one priority, their tenants can get seriously injured or worse. Our firm has experience holding landlords accountable for negligent behavior that resulted in injuries and deaths to their tenants. We have the expertise and the resources to dig into the federal, state, and local ordinances the landlord is required to follow.