Landlords: Beware of Dog Bite Liability

Dog bite laws vary from state to state, meaning that if you live in Farmington, Utah, your laws and rights likely differ from someone who lives elsewhere. With that said, as a landlord, it’s important to be aware of the dog bite laws in your state to make sure a dog bite lawyer answers to your tenant and not to you in the case of any dog bite injuries that take place on your property. 

From Farmington to the East Coast, courts have recorded cases that held landlords liable for dog bite injuries. These cases were based on the common-law rule for landlords that holds them liable if they are (1) aware of the dog and consented to allowing it on the property, or (2) if they knew the dog was “unreasonably dangerous” and that the tenant wasn’t taking any precautionary actions in controlling or restraining the dog. 

This common-law rule is often considered by a dog bite lawyer, but changes slightly from state to state. However, some states are looking into new laws to protect landlords from dog bite liability. Debates are taking place as to whether or not a landlord should be held liable at all. 

Whether the laws change or not, landlords can take steps to prevent a lawsuit. The first option is to not allow dogs at all on the property or increase the cost of owning a dog on the property. This will lower your chances of being held liable for any dog bite injuries that take place. 

If a landlord makes the decision to allow tenants to have a dog, it’s crucial that the consent between the landlord and renter is displayed on legal documents and that any guidelines or agreements are written out. Whether you live in a small town like Farmington or a big city, these legal documents can go a long way in protecting a landlord. 

Another preventive action as a landlord is to make sure you screen tenants and their pets. This allows you to meet the animal and carefully look for any signs of aggression or misbehavior before consenting to letting them reside on your property.

Lastly, as a landlord, you must respond to all repair requests. It’s not uncommon that a dog bite lawyer will see a case where a landlord is held liable when a dog runs out a broken screen door and bites someone. This becomes the landlord’s responsibility because he neglected to fix the door. 

Whether you live in Farmington or elsewhere, you can avoid dealing with a dog bite lawyer by cautiously consenting to allowing dogs on your property as well as being prompt with any repair requests. 

Alyssa Koenig is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.