Tejada v. City of New York

**What Happened** A family sued Lophijo Realty Corporation after their child was exposed to lead paint in a building owned by the company. The family claimed the property owner was negligent and responsible for their child's lead exposure injuries. **What the Court Decided** The court ruled in favor of Lophijo Realty Corporation and dismissed the case. The court found that since the building was under the complete control of a tenant (not the owner), the property owner could not be held responsible for the lead exposure. Additionally, the family had failed to properly notify the property owner that a child was living in the building, which was required under the law. **Why This Matters for Workers and Families** This ruling highlights important protections for tenants in rental properties. If you're renting and discover lead paint hazards, you must follow proper notification procedures to hold property owners accountable. The case shows that when tenants have exclusive control over a property, landlords may not be liable for certain hazards. Families with young children should understand their rights regarding lead exposure and ensure they properly document and report any dangerous conditions to their landlords in writing.