Airbnb has transformed travel. With a few taps, travelers can book Airbnb properties almost anywhere—from city lofts to remote cabins. But while the platform offers business opportunities for hosts and unique experiences for guests, it also raises legal issues when something goes wrong.
One common question is: What if you suffer a dog bite while staying at an Airbnb rental? Can you sue both the Airbnb host and the property owner? Who is liable for your injuries?
This detailed guide explains how the law views Airbnb injury cases, what legal rights guests have, and the steps involved in personal injury claims for dog bites. It also discusses insurance issues, evidence collection, and how experienced attorneys help injured guests pursue compensation.
The Rising Risk of Dog Bites in Airbnb Rentals
Staying in an Airbnb rental often feels like being in a private home. Many properties are rental properties or even hosts’ primary residences. Some allow pets on-site, either belonging to the host or the property owner, or even other guests.
Injuries caused by dog bites at Airbnbs can be severe:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations.
- Infections requiring antibiotics.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Nerve damage.
- Emotional harm like anxiety or PTSD.
These injuries can lead to costly medical treatment, lost work, and lasting harm.
Airbnb’s Promise of a Safe Environment
Airbnb markets itself as offering a safe space for travelers. Their website says hosts should protect guests by ensuring safe environments, free from unsafe conditions like faulty wiring, faulty appliances, hidden cameras, or aggressive pets.
But when a dog on the premises attacks a guest, questions of liability arise:
- Was the host aware the dog was dangerous?
- Did the property owner allow the dog?
- Was there negligence in controlling the animal?
Premises Liability and Dog Bites at Airbnb Properties
Most dog bite claims arise under premises liability principles. Property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to maintain a reasonably safe property. That includes controlling or warning about dangerous animals.
In most cases, to prove liability, an injured guest must show:
- The host or property owner owned, kept, or harbored the dog.
- They knew or should have known the dog posed a danger.
- They failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the bite.
Some jurisdictions impose strict liability for dog bites. For example:
- California Civil Code § 3342 holds dog owners strictly liable for bites on public property or lawfully on private property, including as guests.
- Many states apply similar rules but vary in details.
Even without strict liability, negligence may apply if a host failed to warn about or restrain a known dangerous dog.
Dog Bite at an Airbnb: Can You Sue Both Host and Owner?
Yes—in many situations you can sue both. The Airbnb host and the property owner may both be financially responsible, depending on the circumstances.
1. Airbnb Host
The host is typically the person listing the property. They have a duty to:
- Maintain a safe environment.
- Control animals they own or allow.
- Warn guests about risks.
If their dog bites a guest, they’re often liable under premises liability or strict liability statutes.
2. Property Owner
The property owner might be a different person, such as an absentee landlord leasing the space to a host. Owners can be responsible if they:
- Allowed a dangerous dog on the premises.
- Knew of unsafe conditions but did nothing.
- Failed in duties under landlord-tenant laws.
Some states impose landlord liability if they knew about a dangerous dog and had control over allowing it on the property.
Airbnb’s Host Guarantee Program
Many people ask if Airbnb itself will cover their losses. Airbnb promotes its Host Guarantee Program, but it’s important to know:
- The program primarily protects hosts from guest-caused property damage.
- It does not automatically pay for guest injuries.
- It’s not liability insurance.
If you’re injured, don’t rely on the Host Guarantee to cover medical bills or lawsuits. Instead, legal action against the host or property owner may be necessary.
Insurance Considerations
When a dog bite happens at an Airbnb property, insurance coverage is crucial. Potential sources include:
- Homeowners insurance for the host or property owner.
- Liability insurance policies.
- Landlord insurance for rental properties.
Many standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites on the property, even if rented as an Airbnb. However, some exclude certain breeds or business use.
Airbnb has also introduced liability insurance for hosts in some markets, which may cover lawsuits on the host’s behalf. But coverage limits, exclusions, and jurisdictional issues can complicate claims.
International Regulations
For international travel, national and international regulations further complicate liability:
- Some countries have strict dog bite laws.
- Others follow negligence-based standards.
- International regulations may affect jurisdiction and service of process.
An Airbnb injury abroad can involve different laws, insurance requirements, and legal proceedings.
Building Your Case: Steps for Injured Guests
You’re probably wondering if landlords can be sued for tenants’ dog bites. However, ff you’re bitten by a dog at an Airbnb rental, protect your legal rights with these steps:
1. Get Medical Treatment
Seek immediate care for injuries. Dog bites risk infection, nerve damage, and severe bleeding. Obtain thorough medical records to document:
- Wound severity.
- Treatment provided.
- Follow-up care.
These records are essential evidence in any claim.
2. Collect As Much Evidence As Possible
You’ll need as much evidence as you can get, such as:
- Photos of the wounds.
- Images of the premises and where the bite happened.
- Pictures of the dog.
- Witness statements from other guests.
- Messages with the host admitting details.
Strong evidence helps you prove liability.
3. Send an Evidence Preservation Letter
An evidence preservation letter instructs the host, property owner, and potentially Airbnb to keep all relevant records:
- Communications about the dog.
- Rental agreements.
- Insurance policies.
- Prior incident reports.
This step helps prevent the destruction of crucial proof.
4. Notify Airbnb
Report the injury to Airbnb through its platform. Airbnb often requires details about injuries caused. While Airbnb itself might not pay you directly, it may facilitate communication with the host or insurance companies.
5. Consult Legal Counsel
Don’t try to handle legal proceedings alone. Work with an experienced dog bite attorney who knows Airbnb injury cases. They can:
- Identify all responsible parties.
- Evaluate insurance coverage.
- File claims on your behalf.
- Negotiate settlements.
- Litigate if necessary.
A knowledgeable attorney ensures your claim is strong, timely, and complete.
6. Consider Filing a Lawsuit
If negotiations fail, you may need to file suit. In most cases, you can sue:
- The Airbnb host.
- The property owner.
- Potentially other parties involved (property managers, insurers).
Your lawyer can advise when legal action is necessary.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
Victims of dog bites at an Airbnb property may seek to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses.
- Future treatment needs.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Lost wages if the injury caused missed work.
- Other out-of-pocket costs.
Your dog bite attorney will gather medical records and other evidence to prove the full extent of harm.
Airbnb’s Role in Injury Claims
Airbnb itself is typically not the property owner. Its platform connects hosts and guests. However, plaintiffs sometimes argue that Airbnb:
- Knew of dangerous conditions but failed to act.
- Failed to vet hosts properly.
- Didn’t enforce safety rules.
Such claims may be harder to prove. Still, in certain circumstances, Airbnb might share liability if it negligently allowed unsafe conditions on listings.
Other Liabilities in Airbnb Rentals
Dog bites aren’t the only legal issues. Airbnb injury claims may also involve:
- Slips and falls from wet floors.
- Burn injuries from faulty appliances.
- Electrocution from bad wiring.
- Injuries from broken furniture.
- Privacy invasions like hidden cameras.
Premises liability law governs these dangers, requiring hosts and property owners to provide a safe environment for guests.
Why Legal Counsel Matters
Dog bite cases can be complex. Issues of liability, insurance, and international regulations can confuse even experienced travelers.
A knowledgeable or experienced attorney will:
- Conduct investigations.
- Handle communications with insurers.
- Identify all sources of coverage.
- File lawsuits when needed.
- Work to recover damages that victims deserve.
Contact Bourassa Law Group for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one was injured by a dog bite at an Airbnb property, you have legal rights. You may be able to sue the host, property owner, or others to hold them liable and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact Bourassa Law Group today for a free case evaluation.
Our team will review your claim, help preserve evidence, explore insurance coverage, and fight to recover damages on your behalf. Don’t wait—protect your rights with trusted legal counsel.
1-800-870-8910