Injured in a NYC Apartment Building? Here’s When the Landlord May Be Liable

Living in NYC? Your Landlord Has Legal Responsibilities

With thousands of apartment buildings spread across the five boroughs, New York City tenants deal with everything from broken elevators to crumbling stairwells. But what happens when one of those problems leads to an injury?

If you were hurt in or around your apartment building, you might be wondering: Can I sue my landlord?

In many cases, the answer is yes—especially if the landlord knew (or should have known) about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it.

Common Injuries in NYC Apartment Buildings

Landlord liability cases often arise from:

• Slips and falls on wet or icy entryways
• Trips due to broken steps or loose flooring
• Elevator malfunctions causing injuries
• Ceiling collapses or falling debris
• Poor lighting in hallways or stairwells
• Burns or shocks due to faulty wiring or heating systems
• Security failures that result in tenant assaults
  
  

When Is a Landlord Legally Liable?

In NYC, landlords have a duty to keep their buildings safe and in good repair. That means they must:

✔️ Maintain common areas (lobbies, hallways, stairs)
✔️ Address known hazards in a timely manner
✔️ Comply with building and safety codes
✔️ Provide reasonable security in high-risk areas

If your injury resulted from a hazard your landlord ignored—or didn’t warn you about—they could be held legally responsible.

What If the Landlord Claims They “Didn’t Know”?

This is where the law gets technical. A landlord can still be liable if:

• The danger existed long enough that they should have discovered it
• They had prior complaints about the issue
• They created the hazard themselves (e.g., during repairs or construction)

If you reported the issue before your injury—or if it was obvious and left unaddressed—that strengthens your case.

What to Do If You’re Injured

If you’re hurt in or around your building, take these steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately
2. Document the scene – take photos or video
3. Report the incident in writing to the landlord or building management
4. Speak to a lawyer who handles premises liability cases
   
   

You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone

Injuries caused by building neglect aren’t just unfortunate—they’re often preventable. If your landlord failed to keep your building safe, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Ongoing treatment or rehab
  
  

📞 Schedule Your FREE Case Evaluation

We’ve helped NYC tenants hold negligent landlords accountable—and win. Let’s talk about what happened and what your next move should be.