Monthly Guest sneaks in dog without dissclosing if its a service pet

[Jory Wilder]

We don't allow pets in our airbnb as it is our first airbnb and rental property. We do this because we know pets come with odor and hair and we don't want to ruin our nice furniture. We have a monthly booking that just booked last minute, they had a bunch of questions before they booked but never mentioned anything about a dog. 

I know if the guests claim it's a service animal then I have to allow the pet, what is the best way to handle this situation. Also, is there some kind of scam for long term stays because this tenant seems fishy. The booking dates are 2-4-23 to 3-4-23 and if we can I would like to just refund the guests and get them out. 

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Jory Wilder:

First, you should break the habit of confusing pets, service animals, and emotional support animals. For example, you write "...if the guests claim it's a service animal then I have to allow the pet." Try to avoid mixing the language. It's either a pet or it is not.

Service animals help with physical disabilities and are covered by Fair Housing and American Disabilities Act. This means you have to allow them in a residential rental, as well as a public space like a restaurant, grocery store,otel, etc. Emotional Support Animals are covered by Fair Housing, which only applies to their permanent residence, not public accommodations.

Guests with service animals should disclose the animal in advance and request a reasonable accommodation. The law permits Landlords to reject the request for valid reasons. For example, you could be deathly allergic to dog dander, so the law allows you to deny a dog in your rental, even if it is a guide dog for a blind person.

I would notify them that your rental does not allow animals (do not say "pet") and cancel the reservation. If they claim it's an emotional support animal, you can deny it. If they claim it is a service animal, you will need to verify and then should probably allow it.