Tenan't Dog bite her own kid- Liability?

Question

I have a tenant that has a Ridgeback mixed with Visla, the neighbor is giving me a hard time because he wants the dog to be removed from the property since he found out the dog had bite the tenant's kid on the lips while they were playing.  The dog is a sweet dog, the neighbor has a dog as well and we have a fence. The tenant has a Pet Addendum and active insurance policy.  What's the best way to handle this situation? Remove the dog just because the neighbor is asking to?  or it's a liability to me to allow the dog to stay at the property?

John Underwood · Answer

If the dog is mild natured and this was a simple accident then I wouldn't worry about it. I would not let the neighbor dictate your decision based on the facts as you know them.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Yes, you should require them to remove the dog. Once you become aware of the behavior, your insurance company will probably not cover you if it bit someone else. It's a big liability.

Consider yourself lucky that it only bit a family member. Give them notice to remove the animal permanently or have them vacate the home.

Eve Oliver · Answer

@John Underwood, I definetly agree with you, but after I consult a lawyer, they told me the dog has showed propensity to bite, since I am also aware, if something happen, The landlord can also be sued. I end up giving the tenants 3 days to remove the dog out of the property.

Eve Oliver · Answer

@Darius Kellar, thank you for that.

Darius Kellar · Answer

@Eve Oliver Regardless an animal on the property is a liability.  I would speak to your local humane society for animals to test the dogs level of aggressiveness and mange the situation from there.  The doctors there are credible enough to evaluate the pets mental state.

Tenan't Dog bite her own kid- Liability?

Most Popular Reply