The property owner has a legal obligation to anyone who comes on their property that they will be safe from harm. While that duty is not absolute, it does require that the property owner take reasonable steps to prevent accidents from occurring. These steps can include fixing broken stairs, clearing debris, providing adequate lighting and inspecting common apartment areas and placing warning signs where appropriate. Some measures may not be appropriate to expect from a property owner. For example, employing armed guards to patrol the property all day and night is considered unreasonable. Maintaining property against normal wear and tear is also part of their responsibility. If a tenant or visitor suffers an injury because of an accident on the property, they will likely inform the owner. The owner should prepare a report and maintain these records which we will take steps to obtain to help prove that the owner had prior notice of that defective condition as part of your claim.