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

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Virginia landlords are exposed only when they knew and could control the situation.

The summary rule

One summary says a landlord is not typically responsible for a bite in a tenant's private space. A Virginia firm lists a property owner or landlord in limited circumstances involving knowledge and control among possible defendants.

Knowledge and control

A landlord would need actual knowledge that the dog was dangerous and the ability to act, for example in a common area it controls.

What we could not confirm

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

The owner remains the main target

The owner's insurance often pays, and a dangerous dog finding can lead to a restitution order against the owner.

Deadline

Two years, under Va. Code 8.01-243.

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