Tenants renting residential properties expect them to be reasonably safe and clean. They pay for access to the space and for the landlord to maintain it in a reasonably safe manner.
Unfortunately, many landlords delay crucial maintenance, ignore declining property conditions or ignore issues that could compromise the health of tenants just to save some money. Poorly-maintained residential properties can expose tenants to concerning toxic materials and may put them at risk of illness.
There are countless ways that landlords can fail in their obligation to maintain safe facilities. The three forms of toxic exposure below remain somewhat common and are also typically preventable.
1. Lead poisoning
Older dwelling units may have lead in the paint, possibly on aged windows. Landlords have a responsibility to notify tenants about the potential presence of lead and to make reasonable efforts to contain or remediate lead.
Simply having tenants sign a disclosure is not adequate to eliminate the harm lead can cause or a landlord’s liability for exposing their tenants. A refusal to properly remediate lead might lead to serious illness, especially if children end up exposed to lead paint chips or dust.
2. Legionnaire’s disease
Old pipes and inadequate water supply maintenance can be a major health concern. Property owners generally need to make a point of inspecting water supply lines to keep them in good condition.
The failure to maintain pipes or to properly address residential units that sit vacant for years before renting them out could lead to preventable illness. Bacterial growth in water supply lines might lead to tenants developing Legionnaire’s disease. This preventable but debilitating illness can be particularly harmful for the medically vulnerable, including older adults and young children.
3. Toxic mold exposure
Failing to properly maintain the roof, windows and pipes of a unit can lead to water incursion and moisture accumulation within the space. In some cases, unaddressed sources of moisture eventually result in mold formation.
Spores released by black molds can cause significant respiratory symptoms. People who have weak immune systems, mold allergies and other underlying health conditions can be particularly susceptible to toxic mold exposure.
Connecting serious medical issues to improper residential rental unit maintenance can help give people the grounds to pursue personal injury lawsuits. Landlords who cut corners with facility upkeep may ultimately be liable if they expose their tenants to toxins.