Is a landlord liable for a tenant's dog bite?

In New Hampshire, a landlord is generally not liable for a tenant’s dog bite. The New Hampshire Supreme Court has held that an landlord cannot be held responsible for the damages caused by a tenant’s dog unless the landlord had knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities prior to the bite. Even if an landlord had such knowledge, the landlord only has a duty to protect other tenants and neighbors from the dog, and not a duty to protect any visitors on the property. In a successful dog bite claim, a plaintiff (the person who was bitten) must demonstrate that the owner of the dog negligently caused the bite. This means that the owner must have either known or should have known that the dog had the potential to be dangerously aggressive towards people. The plaintiff must also demonstrate that the owner’s negligence caused the bite and that the plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the bite. If the plaintiff cannot prove negligence, the landlord may still be liable depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, if the landlord had knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities but failed to take action to prevent the bite, the landlord may be liable for the tenant’s negligence. Therefore, it is important to understand the law in New Hampshire to determine if a landlord is liable for a tenant’s dog bite. A plaintiff should consult with a qualified attorney to evaluate the facts of their case and determine the best course of action.

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Is a landlord liable for a tenant's dog bite?

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