When a break-in occurs at an office building or apartment complex–any place where tenants can reasonably assume that adequate security measures are being taken—the building owner may be legally liable for damage or injury.

Security Shortfalls. Property owners typically have a duty to take measures to secure access to buildings on their property. These measures often include security guards at ground floor entrances at larger complexes so they can monitor who comes and goes. Owners of smaller residential buildings may ask tenants to keep all entrance doors locked with access only by key or keyless entry systems.

If security measures aren’t in place and someone enters the building and does harm, the victim may sue the building owner for premises liability if the owner did not take the necessary steps to ensure the building was secure.

Security Guard Patrols. Besides placing security guards at entryways, security guard patrols can monitor around the perimeter of the building, regularly checking entrances and the grounds, looking for trespassers.

Security Camera Monitoring. Some security guard companies for corporate and residential buildings, such as Access Control Security, install security cameras on the building exterior and public interior portions of the building. The camera feeds are monitored 24/7 offsite. If illegal activity is observed, the police are alerted immediately.

Owners of apartment and office buildings strive to provide a safe environment in which tenants can live or work. Using the services of a security guard company for office buildings and apartment complexes can not only greatly improve the safety of the building but also avoid liability exposure.