Injured in Your Rental? Here’s What Downey Tenants Need to Know About Unsafe Conditions and Your Legal Rights

If you’re a renter in Downey and you’ve been hurt because your landlord failed to keep the property safe, you’re not alone—and you may have legal options. California law puts the responsibility on landlords to maintain habitable, hazard-free rental units. When they cut corners or ignore dangerous conditions, tenants can end up paying the price.

At the Law Office of Arta Wildeboer, we help tenants hold landlords accountable when injuries happen due to negligence. Whether you’ve slipped on a broken stair, gotten sick from toxic mold, or been injured in a preventable fire, we’re here to help you understand your rights and take the next step forward.

We offer free consultations. Call (562) 608-8887. Se habla español.

Common Tenant Injury Cases We Handle in Downey

Landlord negligence can take many forms. Here are some of the most common types of cases we see:

Unsafe Conditions Inside or Around the Property

Landlords have a legal duty to fix hazards they know about—or should know about. If they fail to do so, and you’re injured as a result, they may be legally responsible. These cases often involve:

• Slip-and-fall accidents from broken flooring or staircases

• Collapsing ceilings or falling debris

• Electrical injuries from faulty wiring

• Structural defects like weak balconies or unstable porches

• Poor lighting in hallways or common areas
  
  

Lack of Adequate Security

If you were injured due to a break-in or assault and there were known security risks—like broken locks or lights—the landlord may be on the hook. Examples include:

• Injuries from trespassers or intruders due to broken doors or windows

• Poor lighting in parking lots or walkways that led to harm

• Inadequate security systems that allowed unauthorized access

• Criminal activity that could’ve been prevented with reasonable safety measures
  
  

Toxic Exposure in the Unit

Sometimes the danger isn’t visible—but the impact can be long-lasting. Tenants have the right to live in homes free of harmful toxins. We help renters facing health issues caused by:

• Mold or water damage

• Lead paint (especially in older buildings)

• Asbestos exposure

• Carbon monoxide leaks

• Pest infestations or chemical residue from improper maintenance
  
  

Fire or Water Damage Injuries

Landlords are responsible for making sure their buildings are up to code. If you were hurt in a fire, flood, or plumbing-related issue, you may have a strong claim—especially if there were:

• Malfunctioning smoke detectors or missing fire extinguishers

• Injuries from electrical fires or blocked exits

• Slips and falls from leaks or burst pipes

• Mold growth from untreated water damage

  
  

What Are Your Legal Rights as a Tenant?

Here’s what California law typically provides for tenants injured due to landlord negligence:

• Right to Compensation – This can include medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

• Landlord’s Duty of Care – Property owners must address known hazards and perform regular maintenance.

• Negligence Standard – If a landlord ignored or failed to notice dangerous conditions, they may be liable.

• Protection from Retaliation – It’s illegal for your landlord to evict you or raise your rent because you asserted your rights.
  
  

Why Clients Trust Us with Their Premises Liability Cases

We don’t treat these cases like paperwork—we treat them like people’s lives. Here’s how we support our clients:

• Deep Experience in Tenant Injury Cases – We focus specifically on housing-related injuries in Southern California.

• Thorough Investigations – We gather the facts, document the conditions, and identify all responsible parties.

• Access to Medical Experts – We connect you with professionals who can accurately assess and report your injuries.

• Contingency-Based Fees – You don’t pay unless we win your case.

• Local Knowledge – We know how landlords operate in Downey and how to navigate local property conditions.
  
  

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone. Call for a Free Consultation.

If you’ve been injured in your rental due to unsafe or unhealthy conditions, we’re ready to listen and help. Don’t wait to find out your options—reach out today for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 Call (562) 608-8887
Se habla español.