If you’ve been injured on rental property in Florida—whether as a tenant, guest, or visitor—understanding your legal rights is crucial. This article breaks down Florida’s premises liability laws and explains when a landlord or property owner may be held responsible, empowering you to take informed action after an accident.
Here’s a scenario: You’re visiting a friend at their apartment in Port St. Lucie and you trip over a broken sidewalk that’s been in disrepair for months. You fall and break your wrist. Medical bills pile up, and you’re unable to work. Now, you want to know: who is responsible for your injuries?
In this blog, our injury attorneys explain how Florida law handles these situations. You’ll learn about:
- Common types of injuries that fall under premises liability
- When and how you can sue a landlord or property owner
- Steps to take after an injury on rental property
What is premises liability and what do Florida laws say?
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions. In Florida, landlords and property managers owe a duty of care to keep their premises reasonably safe for tenants, guests, and visitors.
Under Florida Statutes §768.0755, a person injured due to a dangerous condition on a property must show that the property owner either knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take reasonable steps to fix it or warn about it.
What is landlord liability?
Landlord liability refers to the legal responsibility a landlord has for injuries that occur due to unsafe or defective conditions on the rental property. This liability can apply to both the interior of rented units and the common areas, such as stairwells, parking lots, and sidewalks.
Landlords are not automatically liable for every injury that happens on their property, but they can be held accountable if they:
- Knew or should have known about a hazardous condition
- Failed to repair the condition within a reasonable timeframe
- Didn’t provide adequate warning to residents or visitors
What responsibilities does a landlord have?
Florida law imposes several responsibilities on landlords, including:
- Keeping common areas in a safe and clean condition
- Complying with building, housing, and health codes
- Making repairs to ensure the property remains habitable
- Ensuring adequate lighting and security where necessary
Failure to fulfill these responsibilities may open the landlord up to a premises liability claim if someone is injured as a result.
Can you sue a landlord or property owner?
Yes, if you are injured on rental property due to negligence, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the landlord or property owner. To have a valid claim, you must typically prove:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property
- The landlord knew or should have known about it
- They failed to correct it or warn you about it
- You suffered actual harm or injury as a result
It’s important to gather evidence quickly, including photos of the hazard, witness statements, and medical records.
What to do if you are injured on a rental property
If you suffer an injury on a rental property, take these steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the incident to the landlord or property manager
- Document the scene with photos or videos
- Gather witness contact information
- Keep records of all medical treatments and expenses
- Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney
Acting quickly and preserving evidence can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Common injuries in premises liability cases
Some common injuries that may lead to a valid premises liability case include:
- Slips and falls due to wet floors or broken walkways
- Trip hazards like uneven pavement or exposed wires
- Injuries from inadequate security or lighting
- Dog bites or animal attacks on the property
- Mold or toxic exposure causing respiratory issues
- Falling objects or structural collapses
If any of these injuries were preventable and occurred due to negligence, you may have a strong legal case.
Injured on rental property in Florida?
Call 866-930-6435 now to speak with an attorney for free
Being injured on a rental property can be physically and financially devastating. Understanding your rights under Florida law and knowing what steps to take can help protect your health and your legal interests.
At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we’ve helped countless clients in Port St. Lucie and across the Treasure Coast navigate complex premises liability claims. If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait—contact our office today for a free consultation.
Contact us today for a FREE case review by calling 866-930-6435