I have some prospective tenants who have dogs, one of which is a Pitt bull. Even though these particular dogs may be gentle, the fear is that if they get out and injure someone, I, as the property owner could be held responsible.
I am wondering if the following options are wise and if there are other options I am unaware of:
Increased liability insurance.
Have tenant sign a document stating that they alone are responsible for their dogs.
2007-12-15 04:19:32 · 9 answers · asked by Tony T 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
More then likely the pit bull violates your insurance and is not covered. A signed document will not do $hit for you if that dog hurts someone. You are knowingly allowing a dangerous animal on property you own. Both you and the dog owner can be held liable for the injury or death that your neglectful choice has made.
You would be crazy to rent to a family with a pit bull. Their choice of "pet" should also send up a red alert that you are not dealing with your average, upstanding citizen.
2007-12-15 05:59:37 · answer #1 · answered by Landlord 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Well, obviously, prohibit dogs. Darned tootin' you'll be held responsible. You knowingly have a high bite hazard dog on your property. Heaven forbid he even bites a cute little 4 year old girl, and she has a facial scar. You'll be held responsible for $100,000, or even more, and then no one will want to give you liabiltiy insurance. ANY JURY is going to find against that mean, money grubbing landlord, because you KNOW the tenant isn't going to have any assets - so YOU will be the one sued. Sure, you can increase your liabiltiy insurance. Will it COVER bites from a tenant's dog? That paper from the tenant - won't hold up in court. Sorry. You'll still be held responsible - it's 'against public policy' to allow you to waive your responsibiltiy for that. You MIGHT want to require the tenant to get renters coverage, INCLUDING dog bite liability for the specific dog. But, frankly, I don't know of any insurance companies that will cover a pitt bull. And if he lies about the breed, well, then the coverage is void, and you're back to it. Best thing - write into the lease/rental agreement, that DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Period. Then if they sneak the dog in, it's not your problem - unless other tenants/neighbors complain to you. Then you have witnesses that knew the dog was there, and knew you didn't evict the tenant for it.
2016-05-24 02:03:15 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You simply refuse to rent to tenants with a Pit Bull or similar breed. Dog breeds are not a protected class, and you will NOT get into any trouble refusing these renters tenancy.
You will sleep much better at night knowing that you don't have to be concerned over this issue.
2007-12-15 04:32:10 · answer #3 · answered by acermill 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are, and that is why you can legally restrict breeds or eliminate pets altogether.
I do not allow dogs over 25 lbs in any of my rental properties, so that nixes anyone have Pit Bulls, Akitas, German Shephards, etc.
As long as you are consistent, it is not discriminatory.
Having your tenant to sign a document does NOT remove the liability off of you...the law will not recognize that. Just because you get someone to sign something, doesn't automatically make it legal, and too many people think it does.
If I were you, the next time the lease was up for renewal, I would agree to renew MINUS the dog.
You can legally do that...as long as you do it upon renewal with all of your tenants.
2007-12-15 05:59:45 · answer #4 · answered by Expert8675309 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
first make sure your insurance will cover pit bulls many will not. As toward signing paper that they are responsible will not stop a third party from suing you if the tenant's dog bites some one
2007-12-15 04:49:36 · answer #5 · answered by goz1111 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Be wise and don't rent to those with large dogs of any kind. The chances of being sued are great even though it isn't your dog, it lives on your property. Also large dogs just make to big a mess.
2007-12-15 07:04:33 · answer #6 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your insurance policy might have a clause that precludes you from renting to tenants with bull breeds, so you will want to check that out.
I have friends with Pit Bulls, and you would never know they have a fighting background, they are just as sweet as can be. My neighbors had pit bulls, one on one they were OK, but if they ran loose together, they were aggressive toward my dogs. I was so pleased when the landlord evicted them!
You should consult with a RE attorney on the best way to protect yourself, because if there is a problem, you can bet the farm you will be named in the action.
2007-12-15 04:46:54 · answer #7 · answered by godged 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Get rid of the pitt bull Way to much worry
2007-12-15 05:19:27 · answer #8 · answered by Tracer 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the best protection is to hold the property in an LLC or some other structure that decreases your personal liability. you can increase your insurance and have them sign the document, you can also mandate beware of dog signs.
2007-12-15 04:28:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋