A landlord is typically not responsible for injuries caused by a tenant's pet to a third-party. However, landlords should be aware of some important exceptions to this general rule.
Landlord's Knowledge of the Animal and Its Dangerous TendenciesA landlord could be held liable by a third-party injured by their tenant's animal if there have been prior attacks which the landlord knew about. Even in the absence of prior injury, some courts have found that if a landlord witnessed the animal lunging, threatening, growling, or snapping, then the landlord had knowledge of the animal's vicious tendencies. In some cases, the landlord's awareness that the tenant used the animal to protect and guard the premises was sufficient to hold the landlord liable to the injured third party.
Landlord's Control of the PremisesLandlords may be liable for injury to a third-party if their tenant's animal attacks in a common area of the premises such as a stairway, yard, or hallway because landlords retain control of these areas. Additionally, if the landlord and tenant share the same building, the landlord might be considered to have control over the animal if the landlord benefits from its protective services.
Landlord's Assumption of the Duty to Make Premises Safe after an AttackIn some cases, a landlord who promises to have the tenant's animal removed after it attacks will be found liable for negligence if the landlord subsequently fails to follow through. A duty of due care is imposed on a landlord who has the right to have a vicious animal removed from the property. If a prior attack made it possible to evict the tenant for violating the lease or to have the animal removed, the landlord is likely to be found negligent for neglecting to do so.
When to Consult an AttorneyThe law regarding a landlord's liability for dangerous animals varies considerably by jurisdiction. If your tenant keeps an animal which may be dangerous, you should speak with a lawyer who can explain your responsibilities. |
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