Dog Bite Injuries on Rental Properties: What California Tenants and Visitors Need to Know About Liability

Dog bites can happen anywhere, but incidents on rental properties often raise complicated questions about who is legally responsible. In California, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets—but when a bite happens in an apartment, rental home, or other leased property, tenants and landlords may wonder who can be held accountable. If you are a tenant or a visitor who suffered a dog bite on someone else’s rental property, understanding your rights and the legal landscape can make all the difference in your recovery.

Here, our San Diego personal injury attorneys at National Injury Help explain.

Who Is Liable When a Dog Bite Occurs in California?

California’s strict liability law generally places responsibility for a dog bite squarely on the dog’s owner. According to California Civil Code Section 3342, an owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before or shown aggression.

But what happens if the bite occurs on a rental property?

Here’s how liability often breaks down:

• Dog Owner (Tenant or Visitor): The person who owns or controls the dog is typically the primary party responsible for any injuries caused by the animal.
• Landlord: California landlords are not automatically liable for dog bites on their property in most cases. However, there are exceptions, especially if the landlord knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to protect tenants or visitors.

When Can a California Landlord Be Held Liable for Dog Bite Injuries?

California courts may hold landlords liable for dog bite injuries if:

• The landlord knew or should have known that a tenant’s dog was dangerous.
• The landlord had the ability to remove or control the dog, for example, by refusing to renew a lease or requiring the removal of the animal.
• The landlord failed to take action to prevent harm.

For instance, if a landlord repeatedly received complaints about a vicious dog and did nothing, a bite victim might have a claim against the landlord for negligence.

What Should California Tenants and Visitors Know?

If you’re a tenant or visitor who was bitten by a dog on a rental property:

• Document the Incident: Take photos of your injuries, the scene, and, if possible, the dog. Collect names and contact information for witnesses.
• Report the Bite: Notify animal control, property management, or landlord. This creates an official record and may help identify prior incidents involving the dog.
• Seek Medical Attention: Dog bites can cause serious injuries and infections. Get prompt care, and keep records of all treatments.
• Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer: Dog bite cases can be complex, especially when they involve landlord liability or tenant insurance questions. An experienced attorney can help investigate the circumstances, determine who may be held accountable, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

How National Injury Help Can Assist You

At National Injury Help, our San Diego County personal injury lawyers understand dog bite victims’ unique challenges on rental properties. Whether you are a tenant, guest, or visitor, we can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you hold the appropriate parties accountable.

If you’ve been injured by a dog on a rental property, don’t navigate the legal system alone. Contact National Injury Help today for a free consultation and learn how we may be able to help you recover the compensation you deserve.