tenant stubbed toe .. potential legal liability

[Jennifer Minge]

Last year we had a guy install tile in the dining room and hallway on the first floor of one of our units. The tile is in the room that you enter when you enter from outside. It was 16"x16" tile installed on the diagonal. This guy has been installing tile for over 20 years.

The tenant claims he stubbed his toe the other night on the floor and his toenail fell off. Evidently he told our on-site maintenance guy he laughed at him. Now the guy is calling us complaining about the floor. Claims he lost getting a job because of his toe.

There is a metal transition where tile meets the vinyl at the doorway to kitchen and 1/2 bath. From what I understand that is a normal transition for tile to vinyl.

Do we have potential legal liability for a stubbed toe from a tile floor that is even?

[Josh Green]

be ready. sounds like he is trying to build up a case.

get over there asap and get some pics of the area. as long as there are no issues (broken tile, etc) he has no leg to stand on and will be laughed out of court.

also, you may want to consider not renewing his lease. if he is basically threatening to sue over a stubbed toe who knows what else he is capable of?

get him out!