Landlords should take steps not to paint themselves into corner

摘要

The case Drysdale v Hedges (27.07.12) considered a landlord's liability fora serious injury suffered by her tenant as a result of slipping on steps at the property. The landlord may have a statutory duty and possibly a common law duty to protect the tenant from injury. Ms Hedges owned a Victorian house comprising a basement, ground and first floor. There was a flight of three steps leading to the front door. To the left of the path leading to the steps was an area stepped down to basement level, separated by an ornamental wall. The wall offered very limited protection against a fall from the steps down to basement level.