San Pablo, CA asked in Real Estate Law for California

Q: prospective tenant fell down basement

While looking at a house, a prospective tenant thought she was opening a closet door but fell down the basement stairs that were actually behind the inward-swinging door. The stairs had no landing or handrails. What is the liability of the agent?

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: Typically the owner of the house is liable for any incidents that occur on the property. That being said, there are so many factors that can determine liability one way or another. One thing to consider is whether the agent showing the property was aware and had a duty to warn.

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