If my car was stolen from the parking lot, can I sue my landlord for this?
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If my car was stolen from the parking lot, can I sue my landlord for this?
Asked on February 12, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, almost certainly not, unless--
1) the lot was one in which the landlord in some fashion took responsibility for the cars therein; for example, if it was supposed to be a secured lot and the reason the car was stolen was the landlord's staff member or contractor at the lot abandoned the post, didn't lock the gate, etc; that sort of failure to honor the security obligations could give rise to a cause of action; or
2) A staff member, employee, etc. in some fashion caused or contributed to the theft--e.g. stole the car, broke a window on it so someone else could get in, etc.
Without the above, however, the owner of a parking lot is not generally responsible for criminal acts that occur on or in that lot.
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