Unauthorized pets ...i.e. assistance/therapy dogs

[Elise Hazzard]

Hi All, 

We have been self managing for over 20 years in SFH's, mostly in FL and have been confronted with a number of tenant applicants who have assistance or therapy animals recently. While I am familiar with the ADA response to this topic -essentially all favorable to a tenant, but it appears there is an abuse of the definition as they are all employed, functional individuals who leave the assistive pet at home all day. They are NEVER true service animals.

Our property description always indicates no pets yet nearly all applicants have a pet and then state they are ESA or 'assistance'.  I am seeking feedback and suggestions from other owners and/or managers with suggestions for how to handle this type of situation.