Bees stung my landlord-Am I responsible?

Question

Some background: I have a small beekeeping operation that I run from my apartment.  The bee hive is on a small window terrace.  All I have to do is open the window, use the smoker, harvest the honey, and shut the window.  When I moved in a few weeks ago I decided against saying anything about the bees because the landlord is very anti-pet.  "NO DOGS. NO CATS!"  But it's really none of his business.  I'm on the second floor and the hive is basically hidden by tree branches.  You would not be able to see it unless you knew where to look.

Everything has been going fine.  Except apparently one of the people on the first floor complained about bees harassing her when she goes out to the dumpster, and now the landlord was stung out there when he came over to check out the dumpster.  You should have heard him shouting!  "God Damn this!  God Damn that!" You'd think he got shot.  I've been stung a few times-It's not that bad.  I'm not responsible for this, right?  There's no way to prove whose bees those are.  I don't think mine would act that way unless they were provoked.  And if they were then it's HIS FAULT.

On a separate note, No, he does not know about my beehive.  He's basically killed one of my little employees when he got stung, so I'm in no mood to tell him about the others.

Nekkid Truth! · Accepted Answer

Yes you could be held liable.

There are also generally specific laws regarding beekeeping...  Generally laws regarding how many hives per lot and how far away the hives must be from buildings or property lines.    Your little window structure may be quite illegal

STEVEN F · Answer

Unless the lease EXPLICITLY permits your BUSINESS, you are liable on the grounds you created the hazard, which is most likely not even legal in a residential area.
Note: Even a clause explicitly allowing pets would not permit a beehive.

Short answer: You will be LUCKY if you get off paying the landlord's medical bills and destroying the bees. Even an eviction can be considered getting off easy.

? · Answer

Yes, you likely would be liable.

Badge 203 · Answer

I don't believe a word of this nonsense story.

Anonymous · Answer

Are you kidding me?  Of course you're liable.  You're operating a bee hive and your LL was stung as a result.  I think you're an azzhole because even though you know your infestation is attacking other people you don't really care as long as you get away with it.

And sparky?  Yes, it is  the LL's business as pet accommodations or restrictions are fully within the the LL's rights and property.  Assuming you're not trolling here, you sound like not just a jerk, but a weirdo.  Seriously who says 'one of my little employees'.

But to answer your question about the legalities, yes, you are most definitely liable.

Bees stung my landlord-Am I responsible?

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