Kesler v. Allen

The determinative question in this appeal is whether a landlord, having employed an independent contractor to make repairs or improvements, is liable to a tenant for injuries caused by the contractor’s negligent performance of the work.

In 1982, Nadine Kesler was the owner of a rental duplex building in Roanoke. Lottie Allen was a tenant who occupied the downstairs unit in the duplex. Mrs. Allen’s sister, who also lived there, asked Mrs. Kesler to provide a storm door at the front entrance which served the duplex. Mrs. Kesler purchased a storm door and brought it to the site. She then engaged…