I will rent an upstairs bedroom to a 52 woman who disclosed that she had a previous knee injury. How can I prevent a future lawsuit, esp. w/stairs?
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I will rent an upstairs bedroom to a 52 woman who disclosed that she had a previous knee injury. How can I prevent a future lawsuit, esp. w/stairs?
The older woman will be moving in on June 1st. She mentioned that she was concerned about ripples in the carpet and mentioned a previous knee injury. I’m having the carpet stretched to rid the ripples but am now concerned that she will incur some other accident causing inury to her knee (especially on the stairs). What do I need to do to reduce my liability when renting to a person already prone to injury on her knee?
Asked on May 26, 2009 under Personal Injury, California
Answers:
J.M.A., Member in Good Standing of the Connecticut Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
People in the US can sue for just about anything. First, i recommend that you have insurance. Secondly, I suggest that you make sure the apartment is clear of all defects and that the place is up to code. When and if it snows or there is ice, make sure you are out there cleaning it up when the storm is over. Other than keeping the place up to code and making sure you walk through to make sure there are no defects, you should be ok. If a tenant or the lady calls, be extra careful and make sure you return the phone call especially if it is about making a repair. If the tenant is worth the hassel then you will accomodate her, but if she is not then dont rent the room. make sure you have a written lease.
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