Can a landlord be sued if a tenant’s dog bites someone?
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Can a landlord be sued if a tenant’s dog bites someone?
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?
Asked on March 21, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Florida
Answers:
Eric Ridley / Law Offices of Eric Ridley
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
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.
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