Is a South Florida Landlord Liable for My Injury?
When you rent an apartment, condo, or home, you trust your landlord to keep the property safe. But what happens when a broken stair, poor lighting, or a faulty railing leads to an injury? Can your landlord be held responsible?
At Pezon Law, we believe that understanding your legal rights is just as important as pursuing your claim. As your counselors at law, we’re here to help you explore whether your landlord was legally negligent—and what that means for your case.
Landlords Have a Legal Duty to Maintain Safe Property Conditions
Under Florida law, landlords are legally obligated to maintain their rental properties in a reasonably safe condition. This includes:
Keeping common areas (like hallways, staircases, sidewalks, and elevators) well-maintained
Repairing known hazards in a timely manner
Complying with local housing codes and safety regulations
Responding to tenant maintenance requests within a reasonable timeframe
If a landlord fails to meet these responsibilities, and that failure causes an injury, they may be legally liable under premises liability law.
What You Must Prove to Hold a Landlord Liable
To bring a successful claim against a landlord in Florida, you generally need to prove:
The landlord had a duty to maintain the property
The landlord knew—or should have known—about a dangerous condition
They failed to fix or warn about it
That failure caused your injury
This is especially important in common areas, where landlords maintain direct control. In contrast, injuries inside your apartment unit can be more complex—liability often depends on whether the landlord had notice or retained control over the condition (such as a plumbing system or structural defect).
Common Examples of Landlord Negligence in South Florida
In our practice, we’ve seen injury cases arise from:
Loose stair rails or uneven stairs
Inadequate lighting in exterior walkways
Mold exposure or water damage left unaddressed
Broken gates, missing handrails, or security failures
Uneven sidewalks or cracked flooring in shared spaces
In each case, the question is whether the landlord had a reasonable opportunity to fix the problem—and failed to do so.
What to Do If You’re Injured on Rental Property
If you were injured due to unsafe conditions in or around your rental, take these steps:
Report the injury to your landlord or property manager immediately
Take photos of the hazard and surrounding area
Get medical attention and keep copies of all records
Document prior complaints or work orders related to the issue
Contact a personal injury attorney before giving any official statements
At Pezon Law, we’ll evaluate your situation, preserve key evidence, and guide you through your legal options—so you can make a decision that’s right for you.
You Decide the Direction—We Provide the Clarity
Some landlords may deny responsibility or delay action. Others may shift the blame to a contractor, maintenance company, or even the tenant. That’s why having trusted legal counsel matters.
At Pezon Law, we help clients understand:
Whether their case meets Florida’s legal standards
What documentation will strengthen their claim
What compensation they may be entitled to
Whether it makes sense to pursue legal action—or not
Because the goal isn’t just a result—it’s the right result, for you.
Injured at a Rental Property? You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone.
If you’ve been hurt due to unsafe conditions on rental property in South Florida, your landlord may be responsible—but proving it requires the right legal approach.
Let Pezon Law help you explore your rights, protect your case, and make smart, informed choices about what comes next.
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation—and get clear counsel, every step of the way.
