Dog ownership comes with many joys—but also certain responsibilities, especially when it comes to liability. One of the most pressing legal concerns is what happens if your dog bites someone while you’re living in a rented home or apartment. Renter’s insurance may cover dog bites, but there are important conditions, limitations, and exclusions to understand.
No matter if you’re a pet owner, a renter, or a victim of a dog bite, understanding how renter’s insurance works is important in safeguarding your rights and finances.
What is Renter’s Insurance?
Renter’s insurance is a type of policy designed to protect tenants from personal property losses and liability claims. It typically includes:
- Personal Property Coverage – for damage or loss to belongings due to theft, fire, or other hazards.
- Liability Coverage – to cover legal or medical expenses if someone is injured on your rented property.
- Additional Living Expenses (ALE) – if you’re temporarily displaced due to a covered incident.
The liability coverage portion of a renter’s insurance policy is what typically applies to dog bite incidents.
Does Renter’s Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
In most cases, yes. If your dog bites someone, the liability portion of your renter’s insurance can cover:
- Medical bills for the victim
- Lost wages (if the injury prevents them from working)
- Legal defense costs
- Settlements or judgments if a lawsuit is filed
However, coverage depends on several important factors:
1. Breed Restrictions
Many insurance providers exclude coverage for certain dog breeds that are considered “high-risk” or “aggressive.” These breeds may include:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Chow Chows
- Wolf hybrids
If your dog belongs to a restricted breed, your renter’s insurance might not cover any incident involving that dog—even if the dog has no history of aggression.
2. Prior Incidents
If your dog has a documented history of aggression or has previously bitten someone, your insurer may:
- Exclude the dog from coverage
- Cancel your policy
- Refuse to renew coverage
It’s essential to notify your insurer of any incidents. Failure to do so could result in denied claims later on.
3. Policy Limits
Most renter’s insurance policies have a liability coverage limit, commonly between $100,000 and $300,000. If a dog bite claim exceeds that limit, you could be personally responsible for the remaining costs. For example, if a victim sues and is awarded $500,000 but your coverage is only $300,000, you’re liable for the remaining $200,000.
To protect against this, some renters purchase umbrella policies to increase liability protection beyond standard limits.
4. Location of the Incident
Many policies will cover dog bites that occur:
- Inside the rental property
- Outside the home (e.g., on a walk or at a park)
However, if the incident occurs at a place where the dog wasn’t supposed to be, or while violating local leash laws or rental agreements, coverage could be denied.
Landlord Liability and Lease Agreements
Landlords are generally not liable for a tenant’s dog unless:
- The lease prohibited pets but the landlord allowed it anyway.
- The landlord knew the dog was dangerous and didn’t act to remove it.
- The injury happened in a common area under the landlord’s control.
Your lease might also include pet-specific clauses such as:
- Pet deposits or fees
- Mandatory insurance requirements
- Breed or weight restrictions
- Physical symptoms (fever, trouble swallowing, excessive drooling)
- Any signs of neurological decline, which could indicate rabies
Owners may be required to submit daily logs, allow in-person inspections, or bring the dog in for health checks during and after the period.
If the dog dies during the quarantine, a rabies test is performed on the brain tissue. This process is conducted by a state-approved lab and usually involves euthanizing the dog (if still alive) for testing, which can be traumatic and is therefore only done when necessary.
What Should You Do if Your Dog Bites Someone?
If your dog bites someone, take the following steps to protect yourself and comply with insurance requirements:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention for the injured person.
- Exchange Information including names, contact details, and your insurance provider.
- Report the Incident to local animal control and to your insurer right away.
- Document Everything including photos of injuries, the scene, and medical reports.
- Cooperate Fully with your insurance provider’s investigation.
Avoid admitting guilt or offering to pay out-of-pocket before speaking with your insurer or an attorney.
How to Ensure Your Dog Is Covered
To ensure your dog is covered under renter’s insurance:
- Be Honest – Disclose the breed and any history of incidents.
- Choose the Right Insurer – Some companies are more dog-friendly than others.
- Ask About Pet Coverage – Clarify exclusions, limits, and breed restrictions.
- Get Additional Coverage – Consider umbrella policies if your dog is high-risk.
Also, look into pet liability insurance if your standard policy doesn’t offer sufficient protection.
Alternatives if Coverage is Denied
If renter’s insurance excludes your dog or the bite is not covered, you still have options:
Pet Liability Insurance
This standalone policy is specifically designed to cover damages and injuries caused by pets. It can be useful for:
- Dogs on breed restriction lists
- Dogs with a prior bite history
- Tenants whose landlords require proof of dog-related liability coverage
Umbrella Insurance
An umbrella policy can provide extra liability coverage, including for dog bites, above and beyond your standard policy.
Legal Defense
If your insurer denies coverage and you’re being sued, consult a personal injury defense attorney. You may be able to negotiate a lower settlement or dispute liability altogether.
What if You're the Victim of a Dog Bite?
If you’re bitten by a dog owned by a renter:
- Seek medical care immediately
- Identify the dog owner
- File a report with local authorities
- Request the renter’s insurance details
- Consult a personal injury lawyer
The renter’s insurance policy may cover your medical bills, lost income, and even pain and suffering. If not, you may need to sue the dog owner personally.
Legal Obligations for Dog Owners
Dog owners are subject to state and local laws regarding:
- Leash requirements
- Vaccination and registration
- Reporting bites
- Quarantine rules (especially if rabies is suspected)
Non-compliance can not only void insurance coverage but also result in civil penalties or criminal charges.
The Impact of Breed-Specific Legislation
Some cities and counties have breed-specific laws (BSLs) that prohibit or regulate ownership of certain dog breeds. These laws can affect your ability to:
- Rent housing
- Obtain insurance
- Walk your dog in public
If you own a restricted breed, research local ordinances and work with insurers that do not enforce strict breed exclusions.
Tips for Responsible Dog Ownership as a Renter
Being a responsible pet owner reduces your liability risk and increases your chances of insurance coverage:
- Socialize your dog from an early age
- Provide regular training
- Use leashes and muzzles if needed
- Secure your property and supervise playtime
- Stay up to date on vaccinations
By taking preventive steps, you protect not only others but also your financial well-being.
About the Author
Neil Bhartia
Neil Bhartia isn’t your typical, stuffy attorney that you see on TV. While some have their sights exclusively on money and treat their clients like a number, Neil takes a personal interest in every single client he has. As an empath, Neil understands that people that seek legal help are typically in an involuntary, and stressful situation, and he goes out of his way to diffuse the stress and educate clients on each every detail of the legal process.
