Expanding the special relationships concept

In the middle part of the 20th century, courts began expanding the concept of special relationships to include virtually any business premises that invited others onto their property for business purposes. With the advent of business inviter-invitee special relationships, many more property owners became subject to liability for inadequate security. Restaurants, retail facilities, office buildings, service stations, and other businesses became possible responsible parties for harm caused by criminal acts.

Starting in 1970, American courts began to analogize the landlord-tenant relationship to that of the innkeeper-guest, one of the earliest special relationships. This was particularly so when problems arose in common areas over which a tenant had no control or in circumstances in which the rental agreement prohibited the tenant from taking security precautions such as installing deadbolt locks or other security devices. In the past 25 years, most American jurisdictions have, through case law, recognized the landlord-tenant relationship as a special relationships exception to the general rule of nonliability.

see also:

Foreseeability Premises Liability Lawsuit History - Get your FREE Case Evaluation
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Premises Liability case overview Premises Liability - Get your FREE Case Evaluation
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