Who is responsible if I fall on a broken exterior staircase or loose handrail at an apartment complex?

Under Florida law, a residential landlord is legally obligated to maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 83.51. When a landlord fails to repair broken stair treads, crumbling concrete steps, or loose handrails that violate building and housing codes, they may be held legally liable for resulting injuries. To establish a claim, evidence must demonstrate that the owner or property manager knew or reasonably should have known about the structural defect and failed to correct it or warn residents. Jeffrey S. Altman at The Altman Law Firm investigates rental property neglect to determine liability for injured tenants and guests.