no pets and now assistance, service animal

[Luke H.]

Tenants signed a lease with understanding that no pets were allowed.  A few months later they asked if they could have a pet and the answer was no. I went to property to fix a sink and the tenant had a dog outside. I reminded the tenant that no pets were allowed. Tenant emailed me asking when I had been by, citing the leases 24hr notification rule, and tenant sent me a doctor's letter that it is a assistance, service animal.
I guess they were not going to tell me that they now had a service animal at the house.  I guess they think I came by unannounced.

Thoughts and course of action?
Thanks

[Greg M.]

If they notified you that the sink needing fixing and you told them you'd fix it, 24 hour notification is likely not necessary. There was a meeting of the minds that you were going to come over and fix it, even if there was no date/time set in stone. Notification is usually only necessary when you initiate the entering of the property for a non-emergency, legally allowed reason.

Most likely the letter is stating that the dog is an Emotional Support Animal. This is a scam backed by the government. Congrats, you now have a tenant that has a lawfully allowed pet and there is nothing you can do about it. Do not take action against them for this. You will be screwed.