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

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Texas landlords are exposed mainly in shared areas they control.

The summary rule

A dog bite victim may have a claim against a landlord when an attack occurs in a common area of a multi-unit property under the landlord's control, and the landlord has actual or constructive notice that the dog has aggressive or vicious tendencies.

Knowledge is the hinge

Another summary says a landlord may be liable if it knows a tenant's dog has attacked before and fails to take action in shared areas.

What we could not confirm

We did not find a Texas Supreme Court decision stating the landlord test, so treat it as a question for an attorney.

The owner remains the main target

The dog's owner is strictly liable if the owner knew the dog was dangerous, and the owner's insurance often pays.

Deadline

Two years under CPRC 16.003.

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