Criminal Acts & Property Managers

Third-Party Criminal Acts: Are Property Owners and Managers Liable?

At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, we hold property owners and managers accountable for the criminal acts of third parties. The general rule in Georgia regarding the duty of care a property owner owes its tenants and invited guests is that “a landlord is not an insurer of his tenant’s safety.” Walker v. Aderhold Properties, Inc., et al., 303 Ga. App. 710, 712 (Ga. App. 2010). However, “landlords do have a duty to exercise ordinary care to prevent foreseeable third-party criminal attacks upon tenants.” Walker v. Aderhold Properties, Inc., et al., 303 Ga. App. 710, 712 (Ga. App. 2010). Therefore, if a property owner has a reason to anticipate criminal activity, the property owner must take reasonable measures to protect its tenants and invited guests from being injured by the criminal acts of third parties.

Property owners become liable for the criminal acts of third parties when the property owner had knowledge of prior criminal acts on or around the premises and failed to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of its tenants or invited guests. Examples of reasonable measures that property owners can take to ensure the safety of its tenants and invited guests include, but are not limited to, providing security guards, courtesy officers, working cameras and gates. Even if property owners do provide certain security measures, they can still be held liable if those security measures are not adequate. If you are injured by the criminal act of a third party at an apartment complex, condominium or business, you may be able to hold the property owner and/or manager liable for your injuries.

At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, we work diligently to help individuals that have been faced with life-altering injuries or death caused by another’s wrongdoing or negligence. We hold apartment complexes accountable when the apartment complex fails to protect its tenants and guests from third party criminal acts due to the apartment complex’s failure to provide adequate security. Shiver Hamilton Campbell represents victims of these violent crimes and pursues justice on their behalf.