When you rent a home or apartment in Dallas–Fort Worth, you expect it to be a safe place for you and your family. Landlords play a critical role in ensuring the security of their tenants, but what exactly are they legally required to do?
General Duty to Provide a Safe Environment
Under Texas premises liability law, landlords in Dallas have a legal duty to provide reasonably safe living conditions for their tenants. This includes addressing potential security risks. While the specific requirements can vary depending on state and local laws, landlords must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm, such as break-ins or assaults, on their properties.
Common Security Measures Landlords Are Required to Provide
Here are some of the most common security measures landlords are legally obligated to maintain:
1. Functional Locks and Deadbolts
Landlords must ensure that doors and windows have functioning locks to deter unauthorized entry. Local laws may require landlords to install deadbolts on entry doors and lockable windows in rental units. If these locks are broken or faulty, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to repair them promptly.
2. Proper Lighting
Adequate lighting in common areas, such as parking lots, hallways, and stairwells, is essential for tenant safety. Poorly lit areas can increase the risk of criminal activity, and landlords may be liable if they fail to address inadequate lighting that leads to harm.
3. Secure Entry Systems
In multi-unit buildings, landlords often need to provide secure entry systems, such as keypads, intercoms, or locked exterior doors. These systems help prevent unauthorized access to shared spaces.
4. Functional Security Cameras
While not always legally required, security cameras in high-risk areas can enhance tenant safety. If a landlord chooses to install cameras, they must ensure the equipment is functional and maintained.
5. Fencing and Gates
For properties with outdoor spaces, landlords may be required to provide fences or gates to restrict access. This is particularly important for playgrounds, pools, or parking areas.
6. Addressing Known Risks
If a landlord is aware of specific security risks—such as a history of break-ins or violent incidents on the property—they may have an increased obligation to implement additional measures, such as hiring security personnel or installing alarm systems.
What Happens When a Landlord Fails to Provide Adequate Security?
When landlords fail to meet their legal obligations to provide a secure environment, they can be held liable for damages if a tenant is harmed. For example, if a landlord neglects to fix a broken lock and a tenant is injured during a break-in, the landlord may be responsible for the tenant’s medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
To prove landlord negligence in a security-related case, tenants typically need to show:
- The landlord had a duty to provide a specific security measure.
- The landlord failed to meet this obligation.
- The lack of security directly contributed to the tenant’s harm.
How a Dallas-Fort Worth Premises Liability Attorney Can Help
If you’ve been harmed due to inadequate security measures in your rental property, consulting with an experienced attorney can help you understand your options. A premises liability attorney can:
- Investigate your case to determine whether the landlord breached their duty.
- Gather evidence, such as maintenance records or incident reports, to support your claim.
- Negotiate with the landlord’s insurance company or pursue legal action to secure compensation.
At Rochelle McCullough, we have extensive experience helping tenants in Dallas-Fort Worth hold landlords accountable for failing to provide adequate security. We understand the complexities of premises liability law and are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.
We extend our personal injury legal services to help clients throughout Texas, including Dallas, & Fort Worth, as well as in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.