Asked by user in California. Answered by Enjuris Editors.
Under both federal and California law, service animals must be allowed in apartments even if the apartment complex otherwise prohibits pets. Keep in mind that any kind of animal can be a service animal (including a pitbull).
However, under federal law (specifically, The Americans with Disability Act), a landlord can ban a dog if the dog poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, has a history of such behavior, or is not under the control of the handler.
Accordingly, if you are bitten by the dog, you would be able to sue both the owner of the dog and the landlord for your injuries. Short of being bitten, you may be able to get an injunction to force the landlord to ban the dog from the apartment complex. However, you would have to prove to the court that the dog presents an immediate and severe harm, which is very difficult to prove.