landlord liability if tenants has 2 pitbulls - Landlord Forum thread 346727

landlord liability if tenants has 2 pitbulls by Anonymous on July 24, 2016 @15:45

Is there a liability to the landlord if tenants have 2 pitbulls? The tenants say the dogs are friendly and have never hurt anyone. The tenants have their own renters insurance. Is the landlord still at risk if something were to happen?

[ Reply ] [ Return to forum ]

Re: landlord liability if tenants has 2 pitbulls by Garry (Iowa) on July 24, 2016 @16:18	[ Reply ]

Yes, you are at risk if something happens. Anyone who gets hurt by those pitbulls, will want to sue everyone they can. You need to contact your insurance company and find out what your policy actually covers if those dogs bite someone. (you may not be covered) Then call your tenant and have them call their renters ins. comp. , and have you listed as an additional insured person on the policy (and get a copy of it). If they are going to have pitbulls, their policy needs to cover you for at least $100,000. Then check at each expiration date of that policy, to be sure it's still in effect (that the T paid the premium for the next 6-12 months.

Re: landlord liability if tenants has 2 pitbulls

Re: landlord liability if tenants has 2 pitbulls by Anthony (Ill) on July 24, 2016 @23:48	[ Reply ]

Yes, you are liable. $100K policy is not much. If there is any issue of those dogs harming anybody, YOU are liable. YOU brought people onto your property w/dogs, YOU gave them a lease, YOU will be 100% liable. Why in the world would you accept people w/2 PIT BULLS in the first place. If someone is maimed or some child or pet killed, can you live with yourself? YOU approved them and their 2 PIT BULLS, were it not for that, the Judge will say to you, there would not be an injury, maiming or death. It would be YOUR FAULT because YOU rented to them. Everybody in their right mind knows that PIT BULLS who never bit anybody before are dangerous and if they can, they will bite/maim/kill. Were you that desperate? What were you thinking?

Re: landlord liability if tenants has 2 pitbulls

Re: landlord liability if tenants has 2 pitbulls by Anonymous on July 26, 2016 @15:03	[ Reply ]

Yes there is liability. And also, pitbull owners are trash. Are you wanting to rent to losers?

Re: landlord liability if tenants has 2 pitbulls by Anonymous on July 26, 2016 @16:34	[ Reply ]

alright,.......lets be clear here. there are many breeds of dogs that are considered ''problem breeds'' by insurance companies. the list varies by both company and breed. even many of the smaller sized breeds are on those ''red-lined lists". If you are going to take dogs, you need to have both your and your tenants insurance policy to specificaly cover and endorse in writing what is known as DOMESTIC ANIMAL LIABILITY COVERAGE. THE WRITTEN ENDORSEMENT PAGE(s) will detail excluded breeds and coverage limits as they apply. there is also some very good ''dog language'' for leases on the internet and I believe the LPA also covers that. One of my favorites is: ...the pet(s) shall be only permitted outside of the designated premises on a leash and accompanied by a human companion, both of sufficient physical strength to retain complete control over the pet... In my application I require prospective tenants to declare all anticipated pets, with a current photo and vets letter detailing current vaccination, id chip and spay/neuter/claw status. THIS TENDS TO WEED OUT most of the wise guys and irresponsible pet owners. with regard to pit bulls and the bull breed in general,...they are genetically tempermental and challenged. I guess we can still say that about domestic animals without being politically incorrect or accused of something even worse. They can ''snap'' and go nuts,...even with the best of loving raising, good responsible breeding and good owners. This is why most insurance companies (and landlords) decline them. It's unfortunate, but that's why the actuaries and risk managers are out there.

Re: landlord liability if tenants has 2 pitbulls