As a landlord, you want to ensure your tenants have a safe and comfortable living environment. However, there are some things beyond your control—like local wildlife. Recently, one of our tenants experienced their dog getting sprayed by a skunk not once, but twice! Despite calls to animal control, there was little that could be done. Situations like this highlight the importance of protecting yourself as a landlord from potential liability.
Understanding the Risks
In areas where wildlife like skunks, rattlesnakes, or other animals are common, pets are naturally at risk. While it’s unfortunate when a tenant’s pet has a run-in with wildlife, it’s essential to make it clear that these incidents are not the landlord’s responsibility. This is where a well-drafted addendum can make all the difference.
Introducing an Addendum for Wildlife Disclosures
To avoid any misunderstandings or potential legal issues, consider adding a wildlife disclosure addendum to your lease agreements. This addendum would clearly state that the landlord is not responsible for any harm that comes to pets as a result of interactions with indigenous wildlife. Whether it’s a skunk spray, a snake bite, or any other unfortunate incident, this document ensures that tenants are aware of the risks and that they accept responsibility for their pets’ safety.
How the Addendum Works
The wildlife disclosure addendum is straightforward. It outlines that while you, as a landlord, will do your best to maintain the property, you cannot guarantee that pets will not encounter local wildlife. It emphasizes that tenants must take precautions to protect their pets and that any incidents resulting from wildlife interactions are not grounds for legal action against the landlord.
Why This Matters
Without this type of protection, landlords could potentially face lawsuits from tenants whose pets are harmed by wildlife. By being proactive and including a wildlife disclosure addendum, you safeguard your interests and make it clear that tenants need to be vigilant about their pets’ safety.