Can a Landlord Be Held Responsible for a Tenant’s Dog Attack?

When you’re renting your place of residence, there’s a fine line between what’s the tenant’s responsibility and what’s the responsibility of the landlord. It’s a whole separate and lengthy debate when it comes to renting property while having an animal on the premises.

On one hand, it’s the landlord’s property that you’re paying to rent out, so you may believe that anything your pet does on that property is all up to the landlord to resolve, whether it involves cleaning, repairs, or what have you.

On the other hand, that property is in possession of the landlord and should be respectfully kept in a livable condition, and you are responsible for dealing with whatever your pet does to their rightfully-owned property.

So, you may be curious: who’s responsible when the tenant’s dog bites someone else (or another pet)? Is it the landlord, who owns the property, or is it the tenant, who owns the animal?

Landlord’s Awareness

The liability of a landlord to cover their tenant’s dog biting incident is based on two factors, one of those being the landlord’s awareness of the dog’s existence.

Did the landlord already know about the dog being present on the property, and were they already aware that the dog is violent or has had a history of biting? If not, then the tenant may be completely liable for the dog bite. If the dog’s presence on the property violates the lease agreement, the landlord may be able to impose a pet fee and/or evict you from the property.

Prevention of Foreseeable Harm

Even though the dog isn’t the landlord’s, the dog is present on their property. Therefore, if the dog has had a violent past, then it’s the landlord’s responsibility to prevent the dog from engaging in a future attack as a method of protection.

For instance, prevention of foreseeable harm regarding a violent dog might involve the landlord having the tenant rehome the dog. While states may vary, in the state of California, landlords do not have to warn other tenants about a vicious dog on the premises.

Get Legal Help for a Dog Bite

Sometimes even the seemingly simplest legal troubles can be some of the most complicated. There are multiple sides, perceptions, and factors involved in even a minor dog attack. That’s why it’s often necessary to get an expert on your side to help you navigate issues like these.

Speaking with a personal injury lawyer Provo can give you some insight on your situation. Whether you’re the one who has been bit by someone’s dog, you’re the dog owner, or you’re the landlord, know that the situation can be resolved, and justice will be properly served when you seek out the right legal help.

Conclusion

It might seem like the owner of the dog, or in this case, the tenant, would automatically and always be responsible for a dog bite. However, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes the landlord of the property can be responsible for the dog bite based on the latter information.

Here are some other articles related to your search:

• Why All Apartments Should Be Pet Friendly Apartments

• Is Renter’s Insurance Able to Cover Damage to a Landlord's Property?

• Understanding Tenant Insurance