Paws, Claws, and Liability Laws: When Dog Bites Happen at Rentals

The popularity of vacation rentals has soared in recent years, largely thanks to platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. These apps make it easy for travelers to book accommodations and for property owners to earn extra income. However, with pet-friendly rentals comes the risk of dog bites, incidents that can be traumatic, costly, and raise difficult questions about who is responsible.

Understanding Dog Bite Liability in Rentals

Dog bites can lead to painful injuries, emotional trauma, and substantial financial costs. Legal liability for a dog bite depends on several key factors:

• Who owns the dog
• Who’s responsible for the premises (host, landlord, or renter)
• Circumstances of the incident
• Local and state laws

Typically, the dog’s owner (whether host or guest) is responsible for any harm their pet causes. However, liability isn’t always straightforward. Legal claims may also involve:

• Renters, landlords, or property owners
• Hosts aware of an aggressive dog and failed to report
• Rental platform (such as Airbnb or Vrbo) rarely have direct liability unless negligent or misrepresented their coverage

Other considerations:

• Rental agreements and platform terms outline pet policies and incident reporting requirements
• Not all platforms cover dog bite incidents directly; always check your obligations
• State and local laws vary — some have “strict liability” for owners, while others apply the “one-bite rule”
• Lease terms and local regulations can further affect responsibility

Steps to Reduce Risk and Prevent Dog Bites

For Property Owners and Hosts:

• Review and clearly state your pet policies.
• Screen guest dogs and request proof of vaccinations and behavioral history.
• Ensure personal pets at the rental are friendly and well-trained; guests are responsible for their own pets’ behavior.
• Protect your business with specialized short-term rental insurance that includes pet-related injuries and liability for guest animals — coverage often excluded in standard homeowners or landlord policies.

For Guests and Renters:

• Abide by all pet rules, keeping dogs leashed and always supervised.
• Never leave dogs alone with children or in unfamiliar environments.
• Notify hosts and insurance providers immediately if an incident occurs.

Proactive Steps for Pet Safety in Rentals

In the end, liability for dog bites at vacation rentals usually falls to the dog’s owner, though hosts may be responsible in certain situations. Relying solely on platform coverage or standard homeowner or landlord polices can leave gaps. That’s why it’s so important for both hosts and guests to review their insurance and understand what’s covered.

Connect with CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance today to explore insurance solutions that protect your investment.