Miami, FL asked in Animal / Dog Law for Florida

Q: can my roommate sue me for leaving the trash open without informing her, and her dog ate the food inside the trash?

my roommate and I have had the house rule agreements on the day before she moved in. one of the rules was the dog cannot stay downstair by himself. he must be under her watch. last nite, i was cleaning the kitchen and left the trash open. but i told my roommate i left the house and the dog was upstair with her. she let the dog run around and happened to eat the food inside. now she blames it on me and said she will sue me for not informing her the trash was open

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: Best to try and work it out with your roommate. If she sues, it sounds like she violated a house rule and, moreover, she is responsible for her dog but apparently refuses to accept this. It is not clear whether you did anything wrong. Plus, there is no indication her dog suffered any damages. Sounds like you should find a roommate that behaves like an adult. All that being said, I don't practice in FL, so talk to a FL lawyer to verify.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is general information that is given for legal education only. It is not legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the relevant facts and documents. I strongly encourage you to consult with a local lawyer to get legal advice and help with your specific situation at your earliest convenience. I am licensed to practice law in Arizona.

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
Answered
  • Lake Mary, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: I have no idea what she would sue you for, but I do know that it would cost a lot of money to get nothing in return.

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