Title: FAQ -- Landlord Responsibilities: Criminal Activities - FindLaw
Headings: FAQ -- Landlord Responsibilities: Criminal Activities
FAQ -- Landlord Responsibilities: Criminal Activities
What responsibilities does a landlord have for tenants' safety and security?
Are there ways that a landlord can limit their responsibility for the criminal acts of non-tenants?
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Can landlords face legal trouble for tenants that deal drugs on the rental property?
Are there ways that a landlord can limit their responsibility for a tenant's criminal conduct?
Get Legal Help With a Landlord's Responsibilities Regarding Criminal Activity

Content: This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Landlords should adhere to the following: Ensure that each one of their rental units meets or exceeds the safety laws for the area. For example, many jurisdictions require that all residential rental properties have a locking doorknob and a deadbolt. To limit potential liability, a landlord could ensure that all of these fixtures are in working order and also install a sliding chain lock. Give careful consideration to the crime scene in the area surrounding the rental properties, and create and install a security system that is designed to counteract popular crimes in the neighborhood. For example, if there has been a series of home break-ins through windows, a landlord may wish to install alarms or bars on accessible windows of all of the rental units in order to lessen their potential liability. Going along with the previous point, the landlord should also educate the tenants about the crime status in the neighborhood and provide training in any installed security systems. Ask tenants about any potential security or safety problems that may exist in the rental property. If there are any tenant complaints about potential safety problems, these should be handled immediately.