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If you rent a home or apartment in Columbia, you trust your landlord to keep the property safe. But what happens if you trip on a broken step or fall because the hallway is dark? Can you hold your landlord legally responsible?

The short answer: yes, you may be able to sue your landlord if their failure to fix poor lighting or broken stairs caused your injury. But the law has some key requirements you need to know.

Landlords Have a Duty to Keep Property Safe

Under South Carolina law, landlords must keep rental properties “fit and habitable.” That includes fixing hazards like broken stairs, unsafe railings, and burned-out lighting in common areas.

This duty applies to areas tenants use every day:

• Apartment hallways
• Parking lots
• Stairwells
• Entryways
• Outdoor paths

If your landlord knows about a danger, or should have known, and does nothing, they may be responsible for injuries that happen because of it.

When Poor Lighting Becomes Dangerous

Bad lighting may sound minor, but in practice it’s a serious safety issue. Dark stairwells make it easy to misstep. Poorly lit parking lots increase the risk of falls and even crime.

If you report burned-out bulbs or dark walkways to your landlord and they ignore it, that’s more than an inconvenience. It could be negligence.

Broken Stairs Are a Common Hazard

Stairs are one of the most common places for serious falls. Cracked steps, loose boards, missing railings, or uneven surfaces can cause broken bones, head injuries, or worse.

If your landlord knew about broken stairs but failed to repair them, they may be held liable. Even if they claim they didn’t know, the law asks whether a “reasonable” landlord would have discovered the problem.

Can You Sue? Key Factors in South Carolina

Whether you can sue your landlord comes down to a few key questions:

1. Did the landlord have a duty to fix it?
   Landlords must maintain safe common areas and structural parts of the property.
2. Did they know about the danger?
   If you reported the issue or it was obvious (like a missing stair), it’s harder for them to claim ignorance.
3. Did their failure cause your injury?
   You must connect the poor lighting or broken stairs directly to your accident.
4. Were you partly at fault?
   South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re more than 50% responsible for your own injury—for example, running down a dark stairwell—you may not recover damages.
   

What Damages Could You Recover?

If you prove your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages if you missed work
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability or rehab costs
  

Every case is different, but these are the main categories courts recognize.

What To Do If You’re Hurt

If you’ve been injured on a rental property in Columbia, here are steps to protect your rights:

• Get medical attention right away. Your health comes first.
• Report the accident in writing. Send a dated note or email to your landlord.
• Take photos. Show the broken stair or poor lighting.
• Gather witness statements. If neighbors saw your fall, their words may help your case.
• Talk to a lawyer. An experienced attorney can tell you if you have a valid claim and how to move forward.
  

Final Word

You don’t have to live with unsafe conditions. If a landlord fails to fix poor lighting or broken stairs and you’re injured, South Carolina law gives you the right to take action.

A civil rights lawyer in Columbia can explain your options and fight for fair compensation.

Disclaimer – This blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Workers’ compensation laws can vary based on your specific situation. For legal help, contact a licensed attorney in South Carolina.