Griffin v. West RS, Inc.

At issue in this case of first impression is whether a special relationship creating a duty may exist between a residential landlord and its tenant. Assuming such a relationship exists, we must also decide the nature of the duty owed by the landlord to protect its tenant against foreseeable criminal conduct on the premises. We hold that West RS, Inc., d/b/a Trammell Crow Residential Services had a duty to protect Christie Griffin, its tenant, from foreseeable criminal conduct of another tenant. The trial court’s refusal to so instruct the jury was prejudicial error. We reverse and remand for…