Is the Landlord Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite in North Dakota?

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

There is no dog bite statute, so a landlord is judged under ordinary negligence.

Several possible defendants

Summaries list the dog's owner, someone else who exercised control over the dog like a dog walker or kennel owner, and the owner of the property where the bite occurred as parties who may owe damages for negligently failing to protect you.

A recovery avenue

Law firm summaries describe landlord liability as an important avenue of recovery when the dog owner lacks sufficient insurance.

Knowledge and control

Because liability rests on negligence and the owner's knowledge, a landlord is generally liable only if it knew the dog was dangerous and had the ability to control or remove it. We did not find a North Dakota decision squarely on the point, so confirm with an attorney.

The owner remains the main target

The owner's liability insurance usually funds the claim.

Official sources

• N.D.C.C. ch. 32-03.2 — fault, damages and payments
• N.D.C.C. ch. 28-01 — time for commencing actions

This is general information, not legal advice, and the state comparisons above are illustrative, not an exhaustive survey. Confirm how North Dakota's rules apply to your specific case with a licensed North Dakota attorney.