
Defective heaters can have catastrophic consequences.
Are Landlords Liable for Injuries Caused by Broken Heaters in Texas Apartments?
Key Takeaway:
A landlord may be liable for heater-related injuries if they fail to repair a known problem within a reasonable time after receiving proper notice.
Texas winters may be milder than in other states, but working heaters are still an important part of a safe and livable apartment. When a heater is broken or defective and causes an injury, tenants often wonder whether their landlord can be held responsible.
The answer depends on notice, timing, and whether the landlord failed to meet their legal repair obligations.
When a Landlord May Be Liable for a Broken Heater
Texas law places specific duties on landlords to maintain safe living conditions. Under the Texas Property Code, landlords are generally required to repair conditions that materially affect a tenant’s health or safety.
In premises liability cases, property owners and managers have a duty to provide reasonably safe conditions for tenants. If a heater is malfunctioning or unsafe, tenants have the right to request repairs—preferably in writing—to create a clear record.
A landlord may be held liable for injuries caused by a broken heater if:
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The landlord knew or should have known the heater was defective
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The tenant provided proper notice of the problem
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The landlord failed to make repairs within a reasonable time
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The failure to repair directly caused the tenant’s injury
When heating issues go unaddressed, they can lead to serious problems, including burns, carbon monoxide exposure, electrical hazards, or health complications related to cold indoor temperatures.
Heater Injury? Call Shaw.
Your home should be a place of safety—not a source of injury. When a landlord ignores known repair issues, injured tenants may have the right to pursue compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
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Emergency treatment
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Medical bills
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Lost wages
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Property damage
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Pain and suffering
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And more
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case evaluation with a San Antonio personal injury attorney.
No fees. No pressure. Just trusted legal guidance when you need it most.
Texas Injury Lawyers Blog

