When you rent an apartment, either long-term or just for a quick vacation, you deserve to know that it’s safe. You should never feel like you’re at risk of being serious injured on the property. If you are, you also have the right to compensation when the injury was the fault of the landlord.
What risks could you face? A few potential issues include:
- Fire hazards that have not been addressed
- A lack of safety devices, like fire alarms
- Dangerous stairs that could lead to a slip-and-fall accident
- Dangerous wiring that may cause electrical injuries
- Loose railings on balconies, porches and decks
- Worn stairs that create fall hazards
- Height differences between flooring types
You’re not familiar with the apartment. Anything that is unexpected could cause an injury. Often, the root cause is just that the apartment has been neglected and updates are needed.
Security issues
You may also want to consider security risks. Does the apartment have a security system? What is crime like in the area? Do you have basic safety devices? For instance, you should usually have both a deadbolt and a key lock on the door. If these devices are missing or inadequate, you could be injured when someone breaks in, perhaps with the goal of robbing tourists who have brought money with them on vacation. While this is a criminal event, negligence on the part of your landlord could have enabled it.
Your options
Getting injured on vacation can ruin your trip, change your life and leave you with hefty medical bills. Be sure you know what options you have to seek compensation.