What Counts as a Defective Property Condition in California?

Hakakian Law Group | Dec 09 2025 15:00

Property owners in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and throughout California have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for residents, visitors, tenants, and customers. When they fail to fix hazards or warn people about them, accidents can happen—and these are often classified as defective property conditions under California law.

At Hakakian Law Group, our experienced California premises liability attorneys fight for victims who are injured because of unsafe or poorly maintained properties. But what exactly counts as a defective property condition, and when do you have the right to file a claim?

What Is a Defective Property Condition?

A defective property condition refers to any hazard on public or private property that creates an unreasonable risk of harm. Under California premises liability law, property owners, managers, and landlords must take reasonable steps to inspect, maintain, and repair their premises.

When they fail to do so, and someone is injured as a result, the property owner may be held financially responsible.

Common Examples of Defective Property Conditions in California

Defective property conditions can appear in homes, apartment complexes, retail stores, restaurants, office buildings, or public spaces across Los Angeles and West Hollywood. Some of the most common hazards include:

  • Slip and Fall Hazards: Wet floors, spilled liquids, or freshly mopped areas without warning signs.

  • Uneven or Broken Surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, potholes, loose tiles, or broken staircases.

  • Poor Lighting: Dark stairwells, parking lots, or hallways that make it difficult to see hazards.

  • Defective Railings and Stairs: Loose or broken handrails, missing steps, or unstable staircases.

  • Electrical Hazards: Exposed wires, unsafe outlets, or faulty electrical systems.

  • Elevator and Escalator Malfunctions: Sudden stops, jerks, or defective parts leading to injuries.

  • Inadequate Security: Broken locks, lack of security personnel, or failing to address known crime risks.

  • Swimming Pool Hazards: Unfenced pools, slippery decks, or malfunctioning pool equipment.

Each of these conditions has the potential to cause serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, back injuries, or even wrongful death.

How California Law Defines Responsibility

California law requires property owners and managers to:

  1. Inspect their property regularly for dangerous conditions.

  2. Repair hazards promptly.

  3. Warn guests or tenants of dangers if immediate repairs aren’t possible.

If they fail in any of these duties, and you are injured as a result, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim.

Steps to Take After Being Injured on Unsafe Property

If you were hurt because of a defective property condition in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, or elsewhere in California, here’s what you should do:

  1. Seek medical care immediately – Protect your health and create a medical record.

  2. Report the incident – Notify the property owner, landlord, or manager.

  3. Document the scene – Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and surrounding conditions.

  4. Collect witness information – Statements can help prove negligence.

  5. Contact a premises liability lawyer – A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process.

Why Choose Hakakian Law Group

Defective property condition cases can be complicated, often involving property owners, landlords, management companies, or insurance carriers. At Hakakian Law Group, we:

  • Investigate the cause of your accident

  • Determine liability and identify all responsible parties

  • Fight for full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

We proudly serve Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and all of California, protecting the rights of accident victims harmed by unsafe property conditions.

Contact Hakakian Law Group Today

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective property condition in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, or anywhere in California, don’t wait to take action. The law is on your side, and so are we.

📞 Call Hakakian Law Group today for a consultation with a trusted Los Angeles premises liability lawyer.