Tenant with service dogs

[Marion Lee]

We have someone that is interested in renting one of properties in Virginia that has 2 service dogs. She says she can produce documentation stating that her children need the service dogs. We're fine with the 2 service dogs but the prospective tenant has stated that the family is eligible for 2 more service dogs, 4 dogs total. Can we place a limit on the number of service dogs in the lease? 

I've read the landlord tenant laws and didn't find anything on service animals. 

Thanks in advance for your help

Marion 

[Amy Little]

@Marion Lee Sounds to me like they are trying to sneak more dogs. As I'm sure you are aware, someone service dogs and emotional support dogs cannot be denied a rental. Plus, what they probably have is an emotional service animal (helps you mentally) vs a true service support animal (one that has been specifically trained, think seeing eye dog). You can ask for paperwork supporting their need. What they cannot do is have 2 additional dogs show up at some point in the future without properly filing notice to the landlord. It should be part of your rental policy (i.e., tenant must notify landlord of any emotional/support animal on property). 

Telling you and filing out the required paperwork are 2 different things. I actually had a tenant sneak a dog in to a property and then claimed it was an emotional support dog so he didn't have to pay anything additional in rent. He legally had to back pay the pet rental deposit & fees BECAUSE he did not fill out the paperwork prior to bringing the dog on site. Had he filled out the paperwork, he wouldn't have to pay a thing.

We found out the 'emotional support' dog was there when it attacked a neighbors dog and she told us. You should read this article: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/SERVANIMALS_NTCFHEO2013-01.PDF