Philadelphia Premises & Landlord Liability Guide

Philadelphia Premises & Landlord Liability Guide

Accidents caused by unsafe property conditions can leave tenants, visitors, and customers with serious injuries and unexpected medical bills. Under Pennsylvania law, landlords, property owners, and managers have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they fail to do so, victims have the right to pursue compensation.

This guide provides an overview of landlord obligations, common accident scenarios, and the steps you should take after an injury on someone else’s property in Philadelphia.

Landlord’s Duty of Care

In Pennsylvania, landlords and property owners must:

• Maintain safe walkways, stairwells, and common areas.

• Address known hazards promptly (broken steps, icy sidewalks, poor lighting).

• Comply with Philadelphia building codes and safety ordinances.

• Provide adequate security when crimes are foreseeable (e.g., apartment complex assaults).

Failure to meet these duties can result in liability if someone is hurt on the property.