Lian v. Stalick

Brown, A.C.J.

Susan White, formerly Susan Lian, fell on the obviously decrepit steps of her apartment. She sued her landlord for injuries. Concluding the landlord breached the warranty of habitability under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 1973, chapter 59.18 RCW (RLTA), the trial court awarded Ms. White special and general damages. Under subsequent case law, the trial court erred when deciding the scope of remedies available for that breach. Damages were properly decided. We reverse and remand for proceedings to decide if liability exists under common law liability theories.

FACTS

Jean…