If a tenant is harmed or a crime occurs due to broken locks, poor lighting, or other gaps in security, a landlord may be held liable. Inadequate safety measures can lead to serious legal consequences — especially when they result in injury or property loss.
Landlord liability insurance helps cover legal defense and settlements when a property’s security deficiencies contribute to a tenant lawsuit.
Key Points
- Landlords may be sued when poor security contributes to tenant harm
- Common issues include broken locks, no lighting, or unsecured entrances
- Liability coverage helps pay for legal costs and damages
What Are Security Failures?
Security failures refer to conditions on a rental property that make it easier for crimes to happen — or fail to prevent them. These can include:
- Faulty or missing exterior door locks
- Broken or unsecured entry gates
- Poorly lit hallways, stairwells, or parking lots
- Inaccessible emergency exits
- Lack of cameras in high-risk areas
When tenants report these issues and no action is taken, landlords may face legal claims of negligence or unsafe housing conditions.
When Landlords Are Liable
Landlords have a duty to keep rental properties reasonably safe. If a crime or injury occurs and it’s shown that a known security flaw contributed to it, legal liability may follow.
These lawsuits often involve:
- Assault or robbery due to lack of lighting or locks
- Break-ins made possible by faulty entrances
- Tenant claims for emotional distress, trauma, or unsafe living environments
Even without direct fault, failing to maintain or repair known security risks can be enough to trigger legal action.
How Liability Insurance Responds
If a tenant files a lawsuit after a criminal incident tied to poor security, landlord insurance can help cover:
- Legal defense costs
- Attorney and court fees
- Damages awarded by a court
- Settlements paid outside of court
This coverage helps prevent landlords from having to pay these costs out of pocket.
Example Scenarios
- A tenant is robbed in a dark parking lot where several lights had been out for weeks
- Someone breaks into an apartment because the front gate latch was broken
- A former tenant uses an unrekeyed key to enter an occupied unit
These real-world situations highlight how quickly security lapses can lead to legal trouble.
Read more: Landlord Liability Insurance Coverage for Dog Bites and Pet Injuries
Minimizing Your Liability Exposure
Perform Routine Safety Inspections
- Check locks, lighting, and gates regularly
- Fix reported issues promptly and document the response
Prioritize Tenant Communication
- Respond quickly to safety concerns
- Keep a written record of all tenant complaints and your follow-up
Update Security Features
- Rekey locks between tenants
- Add motion-sensor lighting in dark areas
- Consider basic camera or smart lock upgrades for multi-unit properties
Final Thoughts
Security failures are more than just maintenance issues — they can become costly legal liabilities if someone is hurt or a crime occurs. By maintaining strong security practices and having landlord liability insurance, property owners can better protect themselves when the unexpected happens.
Steadily offers comprehensive landlord insurance coverage. Get a quote today.
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