Why Renters Need Liability Insurance For Their Dogs

Dog ownership in apartments has soared in recent years, especially among young renters. But with that rise in pet ownership comes an often-overlooked legal risk: dog bite liability. In Illinois, if a tenant’s dog injures someone, the tenant is typically responsible for the damages, not the landlord or apartment company.

While many renters believe their landlord will bear the legal consequences of a dog-related incident on the premises, that assumption is often incorrect. Illinois law is clear: unless the landlord knew the dog was dangerous and failed to act, the responsibility falls squarely on the dog owner.

Who’s Liable in Dog Bite Cases in Rental Properties?

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of prior behavior. The term “owner” includes anyone who harbors or has custody of a dog. This means that tenants are held directly responsible when their dog bites someone.

Landlords, on the other hand, are not automatically liable for dog attacks that occur on their property. Illinois courts have routinely held that a landlord is not responsible for injuries caused by a tenant’s dog unless the landlord had prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities and retained control over the premises.

Illinois courts have routinely found against plaintiffs who attempted to hold property owners liable for a dog bite occurring on their premises. In these cases, the courts often find that the landlord had no control over the dog and no prior knowledge of aggressive behavior. This standard places the burden of responsibility almost exclusively on the tenant – and it is ultimately up to them to be financially responsible if their dog attacks and injures someone.

The Real-World Risk After a Serious Dog Attack of No Insurance Coverage

Here’s where the legal issue turns into a financial disaster. Many tenants carry renters’ insurance, but not all renters policies include dog bite liability coverage. Some insurance companies exclude certain breeds. Others have limits so low that they fail to cover even basic medical expenses. Worse still, many tenants have no liability insurance at all.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we’ve seen the outcome of this firsthand. Victims of dog attacks are often left with serious injuries, permanent scarring, and large medical bills—only to find that the dog owner (the tenant) has no insurance coverage and no way to pay for their medical expenses.

“Apartment companies and landlords should insist that tenants carry adequate liability coverage for dog-related incidents,” says Naperville dog bite attorney John J. Malm. “Too often, a standard renters policy doesn’t include this kind of protection, or it excludes certain breeds. That leaves injured victims with no clear path to recover damages.”

Why Renters Liability Insurance Matters in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite claims can result in substantial financial exposure for tenants and dog owners. These can include:

Emergency room visits and surgeries
Rehabilitation and follow-up care
Scarring and disfigurement
Pain and suffering
Lost wages
Legal costs

Even a single incident can lead to claims in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without liability insurance, a tenant may be personally responsible. If the dog owner cannot pay, the victim may be left uncompensated.

What Landlords Should Do to Protect from Risk After a Dog Attack

To protect their tenants, guests, and themselves from unnecessary risk, landlords and apartment operators should require proof of liability insurance for any tenant who owns a dog. Specifically, they should:

Include pet liability requirements in the lease
Ask for annual proof of coverage
Specify coverage minimums and excluded breeds
Clarify that failure to maintain insurance is a lease violation

These steps not only protect landlords from claims but also encourage responsible pet ownership.

What Renters Should Know about Dog Bite Insurance Coverage

If you’re a dog owner renting an apartment, don’t assume you’re covered if your dog attacks someone. Contact your renter’s insurance provider and ask:

Does my renter’s policy include liability coverage for dog bites?
Are there breed restrictions?
What is the policy limit?
Can I purchase a pet liability rider?

If your insurer won’t cover you, shop around. There are several standalone pet liability policies available. Some umbrella policies also include dog bite coverage.

Legal Consequences for Uninsured Tenants After a Dog Attack

Tenants who fail to maintain coverage are putting themselves at risk of:

Personal injury lawsuits
Wage garnishment or asset seizure after judgment
Bankruptcy in extreme cases

In a recent case we handled, a tenant’s pit bull bit a child visiting the building. The tenant had no liability insurance, and the landlord had no prior warnings about the dog. Our Illinois dog bite lawyers pursued a claim against the tenant directly. Unfortunately, the lack of coverage made collecting damages a challenge.

A Word to Victims of Dog Bites in Apartments

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in a rental property, don’t assume the landlord is liable. Each case turns on:

Who owned or controlled the dog
Whether there were prior warnings or complaints
What action, if any, was taken

At John J. Malm & Associates, we investigate all available avenues—from the dog owner’s renter’s insurance to any evidence that the landlord knew the dog posed a danger and failed to act.

Where to Find Pet Liability Insurance for Tenants

Tenants seeking dog bite liability coverage should know there are several insurance providers that offer standalone pet liability policies or renters’ insurance with pet coverage. Companies like XINSURANCE (877) 585-2853, Prime Insurance (800) 257-5590, Dog Bite Quote (Dean Insurance Agency) (800) 718-7559, and others specialize in covering dog-related incidents, including for higher-risk breeds, like pit bulls. Additional providers include:

Kanguro Insurance – kanguroseguro.com, (888) 546-5264
Progressive – progressive.com, (855) 347-3939
Allstate – allstate.com, (800) 255-7828
American Family Insurance – amfam.com, (800) 692-6326
Branco Insurance Group – brancoinsurancegroup.com, (203) 723-8500

Before signing a lease, dog-owning tenants should confirm that their renter’s insurance includes dog bite liability—and if not, purchase a separate policy that does.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Dog Bite Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

With over 90 years of combined experience, our team of award-winning Naperville dog attack attorneys has recovered millions for injury victims. From offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we serve clients across Illinois in dog bite litigation and personal injury law.

Contact us today at (630) 527-4177 or https://www.malmlegal.com/contact-us/. John J. Malm & Associates — Experience You Can Count On. Justice You Deserve.