Property Owner Responsibilities Under California Law

Property Owner Responsibilities Under California Law

If you have been injured due to someone’s negligence in keeping a location safe in San Bernardino, CA, call us today at 844-844-9119, and let us assist you with handling the legal process.

When someone suffers an injury on another person’s property, the first legal question is often whether the property owner was negligent. In California, property owners are legally required to maintain safe conditions and protect visitors from harm. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries through a premises liability claim.

These responsibilities aren’t limited to large commercial properties. Homeowners, landlords, retail business owners, and even public agencies are all expected to follow the same basic legal standard: take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm. When they don’t, injured victims have the right to seek justice, and that’s where Countrywide Trial Lawyers steps in.

Understanding Premises Liability in California

Under California law, premises liability is based on the concept of a duty of care. This means that the person or entity that controls a property must keep it reasonably safe for lawful visitors. This applies to:

• Homeowners
• Commercial business operators
• Landlords
• Government agencies managing public land or buildings

The duty of care isn’t absolute, but it does require property owners to take reasonable measures to identify and fix hazards. If someone is injured because those hazards were ignored or left unaddressed, the owner may be held financially responsible.

California Civil Code §1714 is the foundation for this legal principle. It establishes that everyone is responsible for injuries caused by their lack of ordinary care, including property owners.

Key Responsibilities of Property Owners

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Property owners are expected to routinely inspect their premises for unsafe conditions. This includes:

• Checking for structural damage
• Inspecting staircases, walkways, and railings
• Monitoring parking lots and entryways
• Looking for water leaks, mold, or pest infestations

The frequency of inspections may vary depending on the type of property. A fast-food restaurant on Highland Avenue, for example, must inspect its floors more often than a private homeowner would need to check their backyard patio.

Promptly Addressing Known Hazards

Once a hazard is discovered, property owners must either fix it promptly or restrict access to prevent injury. Common hazards include:

• Spills or slick floors
• Broken steps or uneven pavement
• Loose wiring or exposed nails
• Structural problems like ceiling leaks or cracked tiles

Delays in addressing these issues can result in preventable injuries and legal liability.

Providing Adequate Lighting and Security

Inadequate lighting is one of the most overlooked safety issues. Owners must ensure that all public or commonly used areas have working lights, particularly:

• Stairwells
• Sidewalks
• Parking garages
• Building entrances

For apartment complexes, hotels, and shopping centers, there’s also a responsibility to provide reasonable security. If an assault or theft occurs due to broken locks, lack of surveillance, or missing security personnel, the owner may be liable for negligent security.

Warning Visitors About Dangers

If a hazard can’t be fixed right away, the owner must provide adequate warning. This includes:

• Wet floor signs
• Temporary barriers
• Visible caution tape
• Clear verbal or written notice

Failure to warn about known risks, like a broken step or unstable handrail, can be seen as a breach of duty.

Ensuring Building Code Compliance

All properties in California must comply with local building and safety codes. That includes:

• Properly installed handrails
• ADA-compliant ramps and doorways
• Functioning smoke detectors
• Safe electrical systems

A building that doesn’t meet these requirements poses a risk to tenants, customers, or guests and can be a source of legal exposure.

Types of Visitors and How Responsibility Changes

The level of care a property owner owes depends on why the visitor is on the property. California law recognizes three types of visitors:

Invitees

These are people invited onto the property for a business purpose, such as customers in a retail store or clients in an office. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, including active inspection and hazard prevention.

Licensees

Licensees are social guests or people who enter the property for non-commercial reasons. While the duty is slightly lower than for invitees, owners still must warn of known hazards and avoid willful harm.

Trespassers

Trespassers are people who enter the property without permission. Generally, owners do not owe a duty of care to trespassers unless the trespasser is a child or the owner created a dangerous trap that caused the injury.

Common Breaches of Responsibility in San Bernardino

Injury claims in San Bernardino often stem from property owners failing to follow basic safety standards. Examples include:

• Neglected maintenance: Cracked sidewalks in residential neighborhoods like Muscoy or unmaintained stairwells in multi-unit buildings along Waterman Avenue.
• Unrepaired water damage: Mold, leaks, and water accumulation in homes or apartments, especially during rainy seasons.
• Lack of security measures: Parking structures near Carousel Mall with no lighting or cameras can lead to avoidable assaults.
• Unsafe store conditions: Spills in grocery stores on E Street or falling merchandise in home improvement outlets with poor shelving systems.

These conditions not only pose a risk to physical safety but also open the door to serious legal consequences for the owners.

Legal Consequences of Negligence

When a property owner fails to uphold their responsibilities and someone is injured, they can be held liable in civil court. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Future treatment costs
• Disability or disfigurement

In some cases, especially where there is evidence of gross negligence, a court may also award punitive damages to punish reckless behavior.

Victims must file a personal injury claim within two years of the date of injury, under California’s statute of limitations. Claims involving public property may require additional steps, including a government claim filed within six months.

How Countrywide Trial Lawyers Hold Property Owners Accountable

At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we know how to uncover the truth about unsafe properties. We dig deep into inspection records, maintenance logs, surveillance footage, and witness testimony to build a strong case for our clients.

Our team is known for being trial-ready. Insurance companies know that we won’t settle for less than what you deserve, and we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary.

What sets us apart:

• We treat every case like it’s headed to trial from day one
• We stay in close communication, so you’re never left in the dark
• We work on a contingency fee basis; therefore, you pay nothing unless we win
• We understand San Bernardino’s legal system, local codes, and property regulations

Whether your injury occurred in a retail store, apartment complex, private residence, or public facility, we know how to hold negligent property owners accountable.

Call for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in San Bernardino, you may be entitled to compensation, but you need to act quickly. Property owners and their insurers move fast to cover their tracks. The sooner you get legal help, the stronger your case can be.

At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we’ve helped people throughout San Bernardino and nearby cities like Rialto, Colton, and Highland get justice after property-related injuries. Let us help you figure out your options and take action.

Call 844-844-9119 today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re ready to fight for you.