Living in a rental property should be a safe experience for you and your family. Sadly, some landlords might neglect their responsibilities, leading to dangerous conditions in your home.
These oversights can result in injuries that proper care could have prevented. You might be wondering about your options if you’ve suffered an injury due to your landlord’s carelessness.
Your rights as a tenant
Texas law provides protection for renters like yourself. Your landlord has specific duties to maintain a livable property. Here’s what you should know about these responsibilities:
- Safety: Your landlord should fix any issues that could harm you or your loved ones.
- Building structure: The property needs to be sturdy and free from major problems.
- Basic services: Things like water, power and heating should work correctly.
- Pest-free environment: Your home shouldn’t have bug or rodent infestations.
When landlords do not meet these obligations, and you end up hurt as a result, you might be able to take legal action. But there are some things to consider before you decide to pursue legal action.
What to do if you’re hurt because of poor maintenance
If you’ve suffered an injury due to your landlord’s negligence, it’s crucial to act quickly. Here are some important steps you should take:
- Get medical help right away
- Take pictures or videos of what caused your injury
- Tell your landlord about the incident in writing
- Ask anyone who saw what happened to give a statement
- Keep track of any costs related to your injury
These actions can help support your case if you choose to sue. Just remember that every situation is different, and the details of your experience will affect your legal choices.
Dealing with injuries caused by a negligent landlord can be stressful and overwhelming. If you’re facing this situation, talking to a personal injury lawyer might help you understand your rights and potential for compensation better.