Am I responsible if tenant's dog bite people

[Sisee Adams]

Although my rental units are no pets allowed, one of my tenants' girl friend brings her big German Shepperd to visit quite often. I am concern the dog might bite the kids next door. Am I responsible if that situation happen? Thank you.

[Darius Ogloza]

Typically, in most states, you have to be negligent to be liable.  For example, if you had no idea the girlfriend was bringing a dog, you could not reasonably be held liable (though of course this does not mean you could not be sued).  Now that you know, however, you do have a duty to take some precautions.  Is there a hole in the fence that you are supposed to maintain?  Have you warned the neighbor's about there being a dog on the property?  Have you warned the tenant and girlfriend about the presence of children? Do you have a self-locking gate?  That's the idea.  Of course, getting a policy that covers dog bites is always the best protection.