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

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

The strict liability statute names owners and keepers, not landlords.

Owners and keepers

UCA 18-1-1 makes liable an individual who owns or keeps a dog. A landlord who does neither is outside the statute unless it actually keeps the dog.

What others say

One Utah firm says keepers, landlords and handlers can share responsibility, and another says caretakers or property owners can also share responsibility. Neither cites a Utah decision, so treat this as general commentary.

What we could not confirm

We did not locate a Utah decision on a landlord's negligence liability for a tenant's dog.

The owner remains the main target

The owner or keeper is strictly liable and the owner's insurance often pays.

Deadline

Generally four years, under UCA 78B-2-307.

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