Can a landlord be sued if a tenant's dog bites someone?
Question Details: If we allow our tenant to have a medium size mutt and the dog bites someone, can we be sued even though it clearly states in the lease the tenat is responsible?
Eric Ridley / Law Offices Of Eric Ridley
Answered 1 year ago
This attorney is licensed in California
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I hate to tell you, but you can be sued by anyone, for any reason. Whether or not the other party can prevail is another question. IF you had any indication that the dog was dangerous - if if had bitten before, for example, or if it is a dangerous breed - then you might incur some liability.
As a landlord, you absolutely must have liability insurance. If you do, your policy should provide for your defense if you are sued for the actions of a tenant's dog. But check with your agent to be sure.
