Is the Landlord Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite in South Carolina?
The strict liability statute is aimed at the owner or keeper, not the landlord.
The statute names the owner or keeper
S.C. Code 47-3-110 makes liable the dog owner or other person having the dog in his care or keeping. It does not name landlords, unless the landlord itself owns or keeps the dog.
Other potential defendants
One firm lists dog walkers, pet sitters, boarding facilities, property owners, HOAs and property management companies among those it has pursued, under theories other than strict liability.
What we could not confirm
We did not locate a South Carolina decision stating when a landlord is liable for a tenant's dog, so treat this as a negligence question and confirm with an attorney.
The owner remains the main target
The owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance typically pays, and the three-year deadline applies.
A local personal injury attorney can review your claim — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice, and the state comparisons above are illustrative, not an exhaustive survey. Confirm how South Carolina's rules apply to your specific case with a licensed South Carolina attorney.