Am I Liable If My Renters Dog Bites Someone?

In a residential landlord case with a tenant owned dog that bites another causing bodily injury, the California court noted that

a landlord could still be liable for the tenant owned dog

: “a duty of care may not be imposed on a landlord without proof that he knew of the dog and its dangerous propensities.

What happens if your dog bites another person?

California law requires that a dog is quarantined after biting someone

. However, these bites need to be reported as the quarantine process is triggered by this report. The purpose behind this mandatory quarantine is to make sure that the reported dog does not have rabies.

What are my responsibilities if my dog bites someone?

After the Dog Bite

California Civil Code §3342.5 states that the owner of a dog that has bitten another person has a duty to then

take “reasonable steps as are necessary” to remove any danger presented to other persons from bites by the dog

.

Is a landlord responsible if a tenant dog bites someone California?

If a tenant's dog bites a person, causing bodily injury,

the landlord would not be liable unless the victim could prove that the landlord knew about the dog and its dangerous propensities

. California property owners have no duty to inspect their premises to determine if their tenants house a dangerous animal.

Can you sue a dog owner for a dog bite?

Dog owners are usually responsible when their pets bite people or hurt them another way (such as by knocking them over or chasing them). That means that

the injured person may sue the owner to seek compensation for the damages, including medical expenses

.

Can you sue someone for their dog attacking your dog?

California law permits people whose dog was attacked by another dog to sue for damages

. But it is not California's dog bite statute, Civil Code 3342, that applies in such cases. Rather, California law classifies dogs as personal property.

What happens if a dog bites someone twice?

A dog that has bitten at least 2 people

can be euthanized after a court hearing

. These 2 bites must have happened in separate incidents. If a victim was bitten more than once in a single attack, it only counts as a single bite.

Can I be evicted if my dog bites someone California?

If the tenant signed an agreement that stated that if the dog exhibits any vicious behavior that the tenant must get rid of the animal or leave the property – and the dog bites someone and he didn't enforce the agreement

the landlord can be held liable

because the landlord now knew the dog was a threat to others and …

Should I report dog bite to Police?

Keeping safe – in your neighbourhood

Dog on dog attacks are not currently a criminal offence, unless a person also feels at risk of or is attacked.

If someone feels threatened or is attacked by a dog it should be reported to the police

.

Can I claim criminal injuries for a dog bite?

As a victim of a dog attack, you have the right to compensation, even if the dog's owner cannot be found.

You may be able to claim from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for your injuries

.

Do Police investigate dog bites?

bites/dog attacks which occur in public places can be investigated by the Police

as there are laws which require owners to control their dogs in public.

What happens if a dog attacks my dog?

If the attacking dog is listed as “dangerous” and your dog has to be put down,

the owner may be held responsible for the original amount you paid for your dog

. If other owner violated your state's leash laws, he or she may be held responsible for any veterinary costs.

Does homeowner insurance cover dog bites?

Yes, your homeowners insurance can cover the cost if your dog bites another dog and they need to go to the vet or the other owner decides to sue you

. Check with your insurer to be sure they'll cover vet bills and related costs if your dog injures another dog.

What happens if my dog attacks my other dog?

What damages do you owe when your dog bites another dog? The damage can be pretty serious.

You will owe for the injured dog's veterinary care, surgical costs, and related expenses

. If the injured dog is a “companion animal,” damages may also include training and other costs.

Are you responsible for your dog's actions?

California is one of the states with “strict liability” laws that make pet owners responsible for most dog-bite and related injuries

. Strict liability means that you are liable for the acts of your dog regardless of whether you knew or should have known that your dog was dangerous.

Can a landlord change pet policy?

Landlords Can Try to Change Pet Policy With a Lease Addendum

This includes whether or not pets are allowed. If your landlord proposes a lease addendum that adds pet restrictions or refuses to let you have them after you've moved in with your pets, you can choose not to agree to the addendum.

How do I get around apartment pet restrictions?

1. Rent from Private Owners Instead of a Company. It is generally easier to rent from a private owner instead of a rental company since the latter usually have stricter policies with pets. …
2. Get Pet Insurance. …
3. Offer a Pet Deposit. …
4. Create a “Resume” for Your Dog. …
5. Register Your Pet as an Emotional Support Dog.