Guzman v. Haven Plaza Housing Development Fund Company, Inc

In Guzman v. Haven Plaza Housing Development Fund Company, Inc., 69 N.Y.2d 559, 509 N.E.2d 51, 516 N.Y.S.2d 451 (1987), plaintiff was injured within leased premises on an allegedly defective handrail, erected by lessee and due to inadequate lighting, Id. it was undisputed that the owner leased the property in question and that the same had never inspected the premises and had no actual knowledge of the defect alleged, Id. Pursuant to the lease, the owner retained a right of re-entry for purposes of inspection and to make repairs at tenant's expense. Id. The court in affirming the lower court's decision concluded that to the extent that the defects alleged were violations of the Administrative Code and the owner had a right of reentry, the owner was liable and was charged with constructive notice of the defect alleged. Id.