Landlord Liable for a Tragic “Freak” Flood Drowning

KVV Inc Attorneys

Published on: 04/03/2025

A recent South African High Court case highlights the legal risks faced by property owners renting accommodation. A family's holiday turned tragic when a "freak" flood swept away their toddler. Despite the owner's claims of unforeseeability and disclaimers, the court ruled that the possibility of flooding was foreseeable, and the owner's failure to take protective measures constituted negligence.