Asked by user in California. Answered by Enjuris Editors.
Landlords have a legal duty to take “reasonable steps” to protect tenants from “foreseeable” criminal acts. If a landlord fails to take reasonable steps and a tenant is injured, the landlord can be held liable.
In your case, there is probably enough evidence to prove that a future criminal act is foreseeable. Accordingly, your landlord has a duty to take reasonable steps (such as increasing security measures, like adding cameras) to protect you and the other tenants.
Practically speaking, I would recommend sending your landlord a letter detailing the criminal activity that has taken place and asking him to take reasonable steps to protect the tenants. Be sure to send the letter “certified mail with return receipt requested” so that you have proof the landlord received the letter.
If, after receiving the letter, the landlord doesn’t make any changes, I would recommend suing him in court. If you need a free or low-cost attorney, these resources should help.