A pet is an excellent companion, explaining why approximately 40% of American households own a dog. As a result, landlords must find ways to accommodate tenants who like to keep dogs.
Unfortunately, dogs can cause significant damage to rental properties. For instance, dogs have an instinctive urge to chew, which can damage furniture, curtains, and carpets. Dogs also love to dig when looking for a place to rest or out of boredom, which often damages lawns and gardens.
Consider speaking to a trusted insurance agency if you’re looking for an insurance plan that shields your rental property from dog damage.
How to Protect Yourself From a Dog Damage Liability in Rental Properties?
Landlords can take extra protection steps to ensure their properties stay in excellent shape while allowing tenants to own dogs.
Here are a few ways to minimize risk and shield yourself from dog damage liability:
Set Rules for Pets and Tenants
Set detailed rules about pet behavior and responsibilities so that all tenants understand their responsibilities. In addition, set clear guidelines on the number and the type of pets allowed on your properties.
Here are a few rules applicable to pet owners:
- A tenant is 100% responsible for the dog’s behavior, hygiene, and well-being
- A tenant should ensure the dog’s behavior doesn’t interfere with others
- Tenants should not leave their pets unattended for long periods, which can cause them stress, leading to behavior issues
- A dog owner should immediately clean up after a dog relieves itself to avoid accidents
Regular Property Inspection
Regular property inspection can help you spot any pet damage or health hazards related to pet behavior. More importantly, address incidents related to tenants’ dogs to avoid future conflicts or unaccounted property damage.
Ask Tenants to Maintain Renter’s Insurance
Renters insurance is a form of insurance by renters that covers the losses that a tenant suffers in a rented property. As a tenant who owns a dog, renters insurance covers the liability you assume as its legal owner.
Most renters insurance plans contain personal liability coverage for pets that are divided into the following two components:
- Bodily Injury Liability: It can cover medical bills and other injury-related expenses up to your policy limits if the dog bites someone else in the rented property.
- Property Damage Liability: If the pet damages someone’s property, including the rented property, the coverage caters to the repair or replacement cost.
Screen Potential Tenants
Screen your applicants to avoid leasing your property to tenants with a history of owning problematic dogs.
Buy Renter’s Insurance to Avoid Dog Damage Liability
Your dog will chew, dig, or scratch things, no matter how careful you are. Whenever a dog causes damage, it attracts a repair bill if the expense exceeds the tenant’s security deposit. Unfortunately, an unplanned repair expense will most likely cause you financial strain.
Consider speaking to a professional like Panorama Insurance Agency about your insurance coverage to minimize dog damage liability.
Contact us online to request a free quote.
