How Negligent Property Owners Can Lead to Increases in Fire-Related Injury and Deaths
Most American have heard of the January 9th Bronx apartment fire that killed 15 and left hundreds more without a place to call home. Cramped cities of millions aren’t the only place where deadly fires rage.
In less than two (2) weeks since the tragedy in the Bronx, several fires have engulfed homes across cities across the country. The tragedies keep mounting.
As climate change progresses, experts suggest that storms will become more frequent and more intense, including desert wind storms. Fluctuating temperatures and extreme heat and cold often cause damage to heating and cooling units, pipes and electrical facilities.
Unfortunately, some landlords are ignoring the threat, neglecting their properties and failing to inspect and repair broken items, including smoke and carbon detector monitors and building sprinkler systems.
A common cause of fires due to broken heaters is a space heater or over use of an oven to keep the living area warm. Another problem is broken stoves causing persons to use propane for cooking or heating.
Owners have an obligation to keep their properties safe. If they create an unsafe environment by failing to take care of important maintenance, the tenant may exercise their legal rights and withhold rent until repairs are made once the owner and/or management company are put on notice of the unsafe environment.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to take additional legal action against the owner and/or property management company, and possibly the Home Owners Association.