For what situation is a landlord liable even if they did not directly cause the injury?

A landlord's liability extends beyond just their direct actions and can cover situations involving common areas. Common areas refer to sections of a rental property that are shared by all tenants, such as hallways, stairwells, and laundry facilities. The landlord has a responsibility to maintain these areas in a safe condition since they are within their control.

If a tenant or visitor is injured in a common area due to a hazard that the landlord should have repaired or maintained, the landlord can be held liable for those injuries, even if they did not directly cause them. This is based on the principle that landlords owe a duty of care to ensure the safety of these shared spaces.

In contrast, injuries that occur outside the premises, caused by the tenant themselves, or injuries that are not reported do not typically fall under the landlord's liability in the same way as those occurring in common areas. Thus, common area hazards represent a unique situation where the landlord's duty to maintain safety can lead to liability despite a lack of direct involvement in the incident.