When a tenant’s dog bites a visitor or another tenant, the landlord may unexpectedly find themselves facing legal action. Even though the pet doesn’t belong to the landlord, injuries that happen on the rental property can create serious liability risks.
Landlord liability insurance helps cover legal defense costs and damages if a tenant’s pet causes harm and the landlord is named in a lawsuit.
Key Points
- Landlords can be sued over tenant-owned dog bites
- Legal liability insurance covers defense costs and settlements
- Some policies require tenants to carry renters insurance for added protection
Are Landlords Liable for Dog Bites?
In many cases, yes — especially if the landlord:
- Knew about a dangerous dog and didn’t act
- Allowed a banned breed on the property
- Didn’t enforce leash rules or pet restrictions
- Failed to respond to previous complaints
Even without direct control over the pet, landlords can be pulled into lawsuits after serious injuries.
When Pet Injuries Lead to Legal Action
Common pet-related injury claims include:
- Dog bites that injure a neighbor, guest, or child
- A dog escaping through a broken gate and biting someone
- Tenants allowing aggressive pets to roam common areas
In some states, landlords may also be sued for emotional distress or trauma caused by an animal attack on their property.
What Landlord Liability Insurance Covers
If you’re named in a lawsuit due to a pet injury, landlord liability insurance can help pay for:
- Legal defense costs
- Attorney fees and court costs
- Settlements or judgments
This coverage provides essential financial protection when pet-related accidents spiral into legal disputes.
Should Tenants Have Renters Insurance?
While landlord insurance covers your legal risks, it won’t protect your tenants or their belongings. Some landlord policies require tenants to carry renters insurance — and many renters insurance policies do cover dog bites, depending on the breed and policy terms.
Requiring renters insurance helps transfer risk back to the pet owner and adds a layer of protection for you as the property owner.
What Landlords Can Do to Reduce Pet-Related Risk
Enforce Pet Policies Clearly
- Require written approval for all pets
- Prohibit aggressive breeds or require temperament documentation
- Enforce leash and supervision rules in leases
Maintain Safe Property Conditions
- Repair fences, gates, and common areas promptly
- Post signage if pets are allowed on-site
- Address tenant complaints about pets immediately
Require Renters Insurance
- Mandate renters insurance in lease agreements
- Request proof of policy and pet coverage if applicable
Read more: Landlord Liability Insurance Coverage for Wrongful Eviction Lawsuits
Final Thoughts
Dog bites and other pet-related injuries can become a legal and financial burden for landlords — even if they don’t own the animal. With strong lease language, good property management practices, and landlord liability insurance, you can better protect yourself if a pet incident leads to a claim.
Steadily offers comprehensive landlord insurance coverage. Get a quote today.
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