Ask a Lawyer - Archive

I fell down the stairwell located in my apartment unit. The stair handrails were taken-off by the last occupant. Is the apartment owner liable for my damages?

The apartment owner is not responsible for the defects of the premises under your control. If the stairwell was located wholly within your unit, then the apartment owner is likely not liable for your injuries. If the apartment owner's shoddy repairs caused the defect or the apartment owner hid the defect from you before you moved in, then the apartment owner would likely be liable for injuries resulting from the defect.In addition, the apartment owner would be responsible for injuries resulting from defects that are wholly or partly located in premises controlled by the apartment owner, such as common areas and walkways. It's best to consult a licensed lawyer in your area to address your specific concerns.