First time landlord and I've got this couple applying that are telling me their 2 dogs are emotional support animals and that they don't need to tell me about them and don't need to pay a pet fee. I found an article saying a bill passed in michigan claiming landlords can request a notorized letter from a healthcare provider backing up their cliams of their pets being an emotional support animal. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about if I'm allowed to request that info or if that violates a law. Also the couple used to live in chicago where they're apparently involved in small cliams over destroyed carpeting and they didn't provide me with that landlords info. Any help would be very appreciated.
@Alexander Goodson so many issues with screening come down to following the guidelines. If the tenant did not complete the application, then it doesn't matter if they have a pet dragon as an ESA. Move on to someone who will follow your guidelines and fill out the application!
@Alexander Goodson- if you have other prople interested - consider them versus dealing with the dog issue ....FYI - I know someone in WA state that has a support dog and when he moved into a new apartment - the landlord required letter from doctor and documatation showing the dog was legally registed as a support animal
There are two other conditions which exempt a landlord from their requirement to accept emotional support animals:
1) The subject property has 1-4 units and one is owner-occupied.
2) The rental is a single-family home rented out without the services of a realtor. In addition, the owner of the home must not own more than three single-family homes.
The issue/litigation with the prior landlord is all you need.... the ESA is relevant. Positive prior LL referral is part of the criteria.... and they fail. Hard pass even if they didnt have an ESA
Cease communication with these applicants. Continue searching for a better qualified tenant (no pets, great credit, no evictions or judgments, stable jobs, etc.). Further, when you sign a lease with a new tenant, do not turn over the keys until they present you with proof of Renters Insurance.