Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. Despite being difficult to notice, it can cause serious illness and even death after prolonged exposure. Carbon monoxide can accumulate in homes and sicken the people living there.
Tenants renting property in New Jersey should expect their residences to be safe to occupy. Unfortunately, in some cases, those renting their living space may fall ill due to carbon monoxide exposure at home. Are landlords liable for illnesses caused by carbon monoxide at rental properties?
Landlords have maintenance responsibilities
New Jersey state law requires that landlords maintain their properties in safe, habitable condition. Part of that obligation requires the regular maintenance of appliances and furnaces. The installation of appropriate testing devices is also important.
New Jersey requires that every residential rental unit with the potential for carbon monoxide exposure have at least one carbon monoxide detector installed. Typically, landlords should have alarm devices placed within 10 feet of every bedroom in a rental unit with gas appliances or an attached garage. They should also conduct regular assessments of furnaces and appliances to prevent leaks that could endanger the people renting the unit.
When landlords fail to conform to New Jersey state regulations, their tenants may end up sickened or worse as a result. Tenants dealing with medical complications because of carbon monoxide exposure may have medical bills and lost wages to address.
They may have legal grounds to take action against the landlord who failed to properly maintain the unit and comply with state statutes. Holding landlords accountable for carbon monoxide poisoning can be a complex process. Those recovering from carbon monoxide-related illnesses may need help documenting what occurred and evaluating their legal options.