PERSONAL INJURY LAW: Housing Authority had duty to inspect smoke detectors

The Superior Court holds that a housing authority issuing rent vouchers has a duty to inspect for functioning smoke detectors, and either warn or remove tenants from units with non-functioning detectors.  The case involved the death of three occupants and bystander emotional distress claims.  The Court held that under federal regulations the housing authority was required designate smoke detector installation as an important part of housing unit quality.  The court therefore denies the housing authority’s motion for summary judgment.

Roberson v. Khorsandi, (May 27, 2015 Blue, J.)