Image of someone with their arm in a brace looking over paperwork

A top concern for potential tenants is the safety measures implemented by the landlord. In South Carolina, the law requires that landlords set up protective mechanisms that will ensure their tenants do not experience preventable accidents.

Most renters are unaware that their rights are written into state law, and that they can suffer severe losses due to their landlord’s negligence.  However, premises liability attorneys in Charleston can help tenants who have suffered significant losses receive compensation they would never have secured if they had worked independently.

Property owners have a duty to provide a residential environment that is functional, habitable, and free of hazards. The following article will discuss the landlord’s responsibilities for providing safety and what to do if you experience an accident due to your landlord’s negligence.

Landlord’s Responsibility in Providing Safety

South Carolina landlord-tenant laws and the Federal Fair Housing Act contain clauses that require property owners to put measures in place that will ensure their rental properties are safe.

Before, during, and after you move in, your landlord should regularly assess and correct any risks that could interfere with your well-being. The landlord has a responsibility to provide a secure and safe environment for their residents in the following ways:

Conduct Regular Property Inspections

Imagine a landlord who walks around your premises every three to six months or even just once a year to check for any defects in the security measures that are in place. You would probably feel reassured knowing that they prioritize the safety of their tenants. They can also use these inspections to take note of any leakages, hanging wires, or pest infestations.

In other situations, a landlord can conduct a random inspection to check if the tenants are adhering to the rules of their leases. These rules often include:

  • Maintaining cleanliness
  • Not hosting unauthorized occupants (which can be a security risk)
  • Not taking part in illegal activities

As uncomfortable as it may be to see your landlord walking around your premises, allowing them to inspect helps to enforce safety measures.

Provide Adequate Outdoor Lighting

Most criminals target residential or commercial properties that do not have adequate lighting. If your apartment complex has dark or dimly lit corridors, you are at risk of theft, burglary, or assault. Landlords should be providing adequate lighting in the following areas:

  • Parking lots
  • Walkways
  • Entrances
  • Common areas

While adequate lighting may require paying more in rent, this is often better than becoming the victim of criminal activity, slip and fall accidents, or collision injuries. Joye Law Firm has helped many tenants receive favorable compensation for incidents on premises where the landlords neglected such critical safety measures.

Maintain Secure Entryways and Exits

Maintaining secure entryways and exits is the most basic safety measure any property owner should have in place. This security feature involves securing exterior doors and gates with modern, working locks. When your landlord fails to repair damaged or broken locks, it can lead to intrusion, unauthorized access, and security breaches.

If you live in a large apartment complex, the landlord should also use an intercom system and hire security guards to monitor high-traffic entryways.

Landlords who neglect to repair worn-out locks and latches may end up having to compensate tenants with legal counsel whose property is stolen or damaged. When working with premises liability attorneys, Charleston residents can feel assured that they will have a fair chance at receiving justice and potential compensation.

Install Safety Features in Units

Your personal space should also have safety features and devices in place to enhance safety. These additional features in your unit will prevent accidents or severe injuries from occurring. Examples of safety installations include:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • Smoke detectors
  • Carbon monoxide detectors
  • Nonslip surfaces in the bathrooms
  • Coverings for water heaters

Landlords must also watch out for other in-unit hazards and re-install, when necessary, damaged floors, naked wires, moldy areas, and faulty appliances.

What Actions to Take After an Accident Due to Safety Measure Negligence

Take the following steps if you have experienced an accident as a result of your landlord not addressing a safety measure issue:

  1. Seek medical attention for any injuries.
  2. Take photos or videos of the hazardous matter or environment related to the accident.
  3. Contact the police if the situation is severe and complete an incident or police report.
  4. Inform your landlord in writing that an accident due to an unaddressed hazard has taken place.
  5. Get estimates on the property damage costs, items stolen, or medical bills incurred.
  6. Contact experienced Charleston premises liability attorneys to help you navigate the compensation process.

At Joye Law Firm, we will thoroughly investigate any incident leading to injury or property loss. We will help you receive justice and fight for favorable compensation from the property owner.  Contact us today, and let us put a stop to tenant rights violations.

About the Author

Since 1968, the South Carolina personal injury and workers’ compensation attorneys of Joye Law Firm have been committed to securing compensation for accident and injury victims. Our compassionate and dedicated lawyers have over 300 years of combined litigation experience, and many of them have been recognized as South Carolina Super Lawyers. For many years, our South Carolina personal injury law firm has been listed with an AV rating in the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell legal directory.

Recent Blog Post
texting while driving
South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act Aims to Prevent Collisions

A new South Carolina law outlaws the use of handheld mobile electronic devices while driving. Taking effect on September 1st, 2025, the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act aims to raise awareness and decrease the number of accidents caused…

2026 Best Lawyers in America Joye Law Firm attorneys included for selection
Multiple Attorneys at Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers Included in The Best Lawyers in America

We are proud to share that 19 attorneys from Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®. Additionally, the firm’s Managing Partner,…

Intersection Accidents and Injuries in South Carolina
How Our Attorneys Handle a Liberty Mutual Claim

After an accident, getting the insurance company to pay what’s fair can be more frustrating than the crash itself. That’s especially true when dealing with a Liberty Mutual claim. Liberty Mutual is one of the country’s largest auto insurance companies,…

A car crash on the street with visibly damaged vehicles.
How Our Attorneys Handle a Progressive Claim

Progressive is one of the largest auto insurers in the country, known for quick claim turnarounds. But that speed doesn’t always work in your favor. Their adjusters are trained to limit payouts and close files fast. If you’re dealing with…

Awards & Recognition
Media
ABC
NBC
Fox
CBS News
ESPN Radio logo