apartment complex representing negligent security

Your home should feel like a safe haven, a place where you can relax without worrying about your well-being. Unfortunately, when landlords fail to provide adequate security measures, tenants may find themselves vulnerable to preventable crimes. Broken locks, poor lighting, or a lack of proper surveillance can create opportunities for harm. When this happens, you may feel frustrated, scared, and unsure of what to do next. You deserve to know your rights and whether you can hold your landlord accountable for failing to prioritize your safety.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security occurs when a property owner or landlord fails to take reasonable steps to protect tenants and visitors from foreseeable harm. Landlords have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment, and neglecting that duty can lead to preventable crimes, such as assault, theft, or burglary.

Common examples of negligent security include:

  • Broken or missing locks on doors or windows, leaving units unsecured.
  • Inadequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells, or hallways.
  • Lack of security cameras or surveillance systems in areas prone to criminal activity.
  • Failure to address known issues, such as repeated break-ins or reports of suspicious activity.

If a landlord neglects these responsibilities, it can leave tenants vulnerable. Negligent security cases focus on whether the landlord could have reasonably anticipated the risk and taken measures to prevent it. When they fail to act, tenants may have the right to seek legal action.

When Can You Sue Your Landlord?

You can sue your landlord for negligent security if their failure to provide reasonable safety measures directly contributed to a crime that caused you harm. Landlords have a duty to protect tenants from foreseeable risks. However, not every crime leads to liability. Specific conditions must be met for a successful claim.

Here are some circumstances where you may be able to hold your landlord accountable:

  • The landlord knew about security risks: If the property had prior incidents of break-ins or assaults, the landlord may be expected to take action to prevent future crimes.
  • The landlord ignored warnings or complaints: Tenants may report issues like broken locks or poor lighting. If the landlord fails to address these concerns, they could be liable.
  • Criminal activity was foreseeable: If the property is in an area with frequent crimes, landlords have a responsibility to implement reasonable security measures, such as installing cameras or adding lighting.

To sue successfully, you must show that the landlord’s negligence directly caused your injuries or losses. This involves proving that their actions—or inaction—created the conditions that led to the crime. With proper legal representation, you can seek accountability and recover compensation for your damages.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If you’ve been harmed due to a landlord’s negligent security, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you’ve experienced. These damages can include medical expenses for injuries sustained during the crime, as well as reimbursement for property damage or theft. Emotional distress is also a significant factor, as the trauma of a crime can impact your mental well-being and quality of life. Compensation in these cases is intended to help you recover and regain stability. By holding a landlord accountable, you can seek justice and work toward rebuilding after a preventable and traumatic incident.

How We Can Help

Dealing with the aftermath of a crime in your home can be overwhelming, especially when it could have been prevented. We are here to help you take the next steps. The attorneys at Rochelle McCullough LLP understand how to assess negligent security claims and build a strong case to hold landlords accountable. We’ll work with you to gather evidence, determine liability, and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries, property damage, and emotional distress. 

Contact Our Experienced Texas Personal Injury Attorneys

Your landlord has a responsibility to maintain a safe living environment. If their negligence contributed to a crime that caused you harm, you have the right to seek justice. Don’t wait to take action—contact Rochelle McCullough today for a consultation, and let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve.