Can renters sue me if they fall while painting my home?

Full question:

I have a home that I rent out. I have regular insurance on the home but do not have it covered as a rental. The renters want to paint and I have no problem with that. However there are 20 foot ceilings and I am concerned about my liability if they fall off the ladder. Could they sue me? If I have them sign a release of liability for their personal injury, would that stand up in court?

  • Category: Contracts
  • Subcategory: Releases
  • Date:
  • State: South Carolina

Answer:

While a release of liability can help protect you, it doesn't guarantee you won't be sued. A waiver allows individuals to give up their right to sue for injuries that occur during an activity. However, it typically doesn't protect against intentional acts or gross negligence. For instance, if you provided a faulty ladder and knew it was dangerous, they could claim you were aware of the risk. If a lawsuit arises, the release will be considered by the court, but its effectiveness will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Yes, you should inform your insurance company if you rent out your house. Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover rental activities. Failing to disclose this information could result in denied claims or cancellation of your policy. It's important to discuss your situation with your insurer to ensure you have the appropriate coverage for rental properties.