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General Landlording & Rental Properties

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Michelle Fox
  • Cleveland, OH
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Service dogs and Checkers

Michelle Fox
  • Cleveland, OH
Posted Apr 30 2022, 12:18

Has anyone ever had a person posing as a potential renter from Fair Housing and saying they had an ESA and were told they would have to pay a pet deposit? Then, received a letter from HUD that they were in violation. What steps were taken and what was the penalty? Thank you for your insight! I am aware that a pet deposit is not required.

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Kim Meredith Hampton
  • Real Estate Broker
  • St Petersburg & Orlando
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Kim Meredith Hampton
  • Real Estate Broker
  • St Petersburg & Orlando
Replied Apr 30 2022, 13:30

Not quite sure why the question? Are you asking for a friend? 

Yes, they do send out shoppers from fair housing posing as renters and asking leading type questions as you have posed 

No, you can not ask for any type of deposit or fee for a service animal or emotional support animal. 

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Scott Mac
  • Austin, TX
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Scott Mac
  • Austin, TX
Replied Apr 30 2022, 13:35

Real Service Dogs can be a real life changer for the disabled.

I've seen some incredible ones.

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Henry T.
Pro Member
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Henry T.
Pro Member
Replied May 18 2022, 22:20

Oh sure, they're everywhere.  I've been baited for  Race, Kids, Gay, Disabled.  You can always tell, they're quite obvious. I've had and welcomed all the above tenants so it's not a problem for me.  They go thru their routine then go away.  Still, I think this kind of entrapement should be illegal. Same with other types of entrapment. Except for politicians, I'll ok that.