Long term tenant hit me with a clearly fake ESA letter

[Cory Melious]

A tenant that I’ve had for about 5 years emailed me tonight with a ESA letter from a mail order website. Doctor is in Texas but say’s is certified in NY. It’s literally the first website that comes up when you google emotional support certification. The letter states he has stress. He got a French Bulldog puppy to support his eMoTiOnS. (Little does he know that Frenchie is going to cause him more stress than he’s ever had beforehand, guaranteed).

It actually pisses me off that he decided to go this route instead of just calling me to work something out. He’s clearly trying to play a tough guy, but it’s irritating that he decided to play it this way.

Anyways, whats to be done with this? Is it just the way of things now? Last I checked emotional support are not protected class. Can I require additional deposit to cover the accidents this animal is going to make?

[Scott Trench]

I agree with the "choose your battles" remark from Russell, and I'll add that I am sure that while it really helps many people who truly need their animals, many people abuse the ESA stuff. 

As a landlord, the simplest way to avoid this problem is to just... allow pets. 

I find that when I allow pets, I get more and higher quality applicants who earn more, have better credit, and have fewer background problems. By allowing pets, those with ESAs compete with tenants who just have regular pets. 

I feel that it's the right thing to do for people with animal companions, and just good business.