Potential tenant cliaming their 2 dogs are emotional support dogs

Potential tenant cliaming their 2 dogs are emotional support dogs

Member since 2019 · 3 posts · 0 votes

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.

0Reply
130 views

Most Popular Reply

Rental Property Investor · Ocean Springs, MS · Member since 2022 · 349 posts · 301 votes
3y

They sound dreamy! Good thing they failed to give you all the required information for the application, denied. 

See this reply in the discussion

33 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Real Estate Broker · 3412 S. Harlem Avenue Riverside, IL 60546 · Member since 2015 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    3y

    @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! 

  • Lender · Seattle, WA · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 899 votes
    3y

    @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 

  • Real Estate Broker · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    3y
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    3y

    There are two other conditions which exempt a landlord from their requirement to accept emotional support animals:

    1. 1) The subject property has 1-4 units and one is owner-occupied.
    2. 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.
  • Ned J.Pro Member
    Investor · Manteca, CA · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y

    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

  • Member since 2018 · 51 posts · 12 votes
    3y

    That is one of the reasons why I don’t provide my phone number to applicants anymore. 

    If you got this in email, just do not reply. Or it might be used to against you. 

    Many people get ESA letter online simply by paying for it. 

    Absolutely pass, next one pls. 

  • Rental Property Investor · Closter, NJ · Member since 2015 · 884 posts · 722 votes
    3y

    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.

  • Mark AinleyBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Roselle, IL (Chicago Suburb) · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    @Alexander Goodson get a software called Petscreening.com to reduce this liability. 

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.