Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 54%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$69 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated almost 3 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

254
Posts
28
Votes
Mary Joe
  • Investor
  • Brooklyn, NY
28
Votes |
254
Posts

Landlord liability - gas leak, appliances, balcony, windows..

Mary Joe
  • Investor
  • Brooklyn, NY
Posted

A lot of focus on this board is about eviction nightmare but it is nothing compared to being involved in a gas explosion lawsuit that causes your tenant severe injuries or even death.  There is no umbrella insurance policy large enough to protect a landlord from these lawsuits. 


How many landlords actually do these things to mitigate their liabilities in the event of an accident caused by the following?

1. Gas stove - do you hire a licensed plumber every year to inspect your gas stove to make sure there are no leaks or defects ? Will this help mitigate Landlord liability in the event of a gas explosion due to gas leak?  I don't think landlords care until an accident happens.   Of course, if the tenant reports gas leak, the landlord would fix the problem right away.  I am talking about landlord being proactive and initiate an annual inspection as a precaution and also as a measure to mitigate his/her liability, how many landlords do that? 

2. Balcony or Floor to Ceiling windows in high rise apartment buildings - do you hire a certified engineer or architect every 3-5 years to inspect the structural soundness of balconies and floor to ceiling windows to make sure they are built to code and do not need repairs due to wear and tear over the years?    Imagine the liability a landlord faces if someone leans against a floor to ceiling window and the window collapses in a high rise apartment.   How many landlords care of these things, especially for older apartment buildings in cities like new york. 

Any of these accidents will result in huge liability and even jail time if the landlords is found guilty of negligent, far worse than having to evict a tenant, yet i don't see much discussions in this forum about these aspects of landlording. 

Would appreciate feedbacks from fellow landlords.


Best,

MaryJoe

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

28,105
Posts
41,124
Votes
Nathan Gesner
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Cody, WY
41,124
Votes |
28,105
Posts
Nathan Gesner
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Cody, WY
ModeratorReplied
Quote from @Mary Joe:

A lot of focus on this board is about eviction nightmare but it is nothing compared to being involved in a gas explosion lawsuit that causes your tenant severe injuries or even death.  There is no umbrella insurance policy large enough to protect a landlord from these lawsuits. 

How many landlords actually do these things to mitigate their liabilities in the event of an accident caused by the following?

1. Gas stove - do you hire a licensed plumber every year to inspect your gas stove to make sure there are no leaks or defects ? Will this help mitigate Landlord liability in the event of a gas explosion due to gas leak?  I don't think landlords care until an accident happens.   Of course, if the tenant reports gas leak, the landlord would fix the problem right away.  I am talking about landlord being proactive and initiate an annual inspection as a precaution and also as a measure to mitigate his/her liability, how many landlords do that? 

2. Balcony or Floor to Ceiling windows in high rise apartment buildings - do you hire a certified engineer or architect every 3-5 years to inspect the structural soundness of balconies and floor to ceiling windows to make sure they are built to code and do not need repairs due to wear and tear over the years?    Imagine the liability a landlord faces if someone leans against a floor to ceiling window and the window collapses in a high rise apartment.   How many landlords care of these things, especially for older apartment buildings in cities like new york. 

Any of these accidents will result in huge liability and even jail time if the landlords is found guilty of negligent, far worse than having to evict a tenant, yet i don't see much discussions in this forum about these aspects of landlording. 

Would appreciate feedbacks from fellow landlords.

Gas leak deaths are rare. In a year, there are approximately 40 deaths from gas leaks. You're more likely to die from lightning.

  • Nathan Gesner
business profile image
The DIY Landlord Book
4.7 stars
166 Reviews

Loading replies...