California Dog Bite Law Landlord

Unlike other states california holds dog owners strictly liable for dog bites this means they can have to compensate victims even if their dog showed no prior signs of aggression.

California dog bite law landlord.

Knew the dog was dangerous. If the landlord chooses to allow the animal to remain on the property knowing that it could be a threat to the safety of all tenants and anyone else who may. For parents of dog bite victims. Civil code 3342 is the calfornia dog bite statute it outlines when dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dog.

In short if a landlord had knowledge that a dog posed a real threat to others the landlord could be held liable. For example the landlord might have been taking care of the dog or might have failed to repair a gate or fence. Because the harboring of pets is such. Landlord liability for dog bites inflicted by tenant s dog under some circumstances a california landlord can be held liable when a dog belonging to a tenant bites a person.

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. Dog bite statute civ. A dog bite victim in. The dog had bitten or attacked someone and the landlord was aware of the attack.

The landlord may be liable in california even if the dog bite didn t occur on the property if it can be proven the defect was known by the landlord but not fixed. But if the dog escapes the landlord s property because of defects in that property the landlord is liable for the off site injuries in other words a landlord can be held liable if a dog escapes as a result of broken or inadequate fencing. There are exceptions to a dog owner s liability though. If a landlord gives permission for a tenant to keep a dog on the property and then defects on the property such as a rotten board on a fence allow the dog to escape and bite someone the landlord may be liable even if the bite did not take place on the landlord s property.

Because states can change their laws at any time it s always a good idea to check the current california statutes using this. A landlord has no duty to warn a prospective tenant of the presence of. In the pages linked below read about liability for dog bites in california. Whether you own a dog in california or have a claim for a dog bite or other injury you ll want to understand the state s laws on owners civil and criminal liability when their animals hurt someone or have been aggressive read on for the details.

Model dog bite laws. Phillips speaks from vast experience as the author of dog bite law and the only lawyer in the usa who has done nothing but dog bite cases since the 1990s. Allowing a dog to escape. Code 3342 essential factual elements free legal information laws blogs legal services and more.