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Wesley W.
  • Rental Property Investor
  • The Vampire State
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Service animal vetting

Wesley W.
  • Rental Property Investor
  • The Vampire State
Posted Oct 13 2018, 04:45

So, I was doing some research after reading the most recent thread on this topic, and I'm wondering if this is accurate.  Based on my new understanding, a tenant claiming to have a service animal can only be asked two questions:

(1)  Is this animal trained to perform a task?

(2)  Is the animal required because of a disability?

Landlords are NOT allowed to ask the tenant:

(1) What the nature of the disability is for which the animal is attributed

(2) For proof of training

(3) For any documentation regarding the need for the animal (unlike ESAs)

So, if my understanding is accurate, what is prevent an unscrupulous tenant from showing up with a "service animal" for which I cannot ask for documentation of its training, the disability, or any validation from the ADA?

It seems like ESAs are much easier to vet, since they require paperwork from a health professional.

Am I missing something, or has this created a huge loophole for "free" pets disguised as service animals in our rentals?

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