As a student at Touro Law School in Central Islip, NJ, Amy Goldenberg earned accolades in judicial writing and oral advocacy. Now residing in Closter, NJ, Amy Goldenberg focuses on premises liability cases as an attorney with Malapero, Prisco & Klauber.

Under premises liability laws, landlords have the obligation to protect their tenants from foreseeable criminal acts. In addition to installing basic protections against break-ins and trespassers such as deadbolt locks, properly functioning windows, and an intercom system, landlords should implement preventive measures for crimes that have been known to occur in the vicinity.

For example, if robberies are common in the neighborhood, landlords should install measures that would deter perpetrators such as bright exterior lighting or security cameras. If a crime is perpetrated in the building by one of its tenants, landlords must take action by informing law enforcement and starting eviction proceedings if necessary.

To prevent the likelihood of on-site criminal conduct, landlords should carry out thorough background checks on all potential tenants and insert clauses that prohibit illegal activities on the premises into every lease agreement.