Emotional Support Animal / Service Animal

[Ernest Ho]

My tenant has a ESA, and may be changed later to service dog.  Dog is around 1 yr old or just under.

Do I need tenant to sign a lease addendum or something? so I can officially know about the dog, licenses, shots, etc.

Thanks.

[Nathan Gesner]

@Alvin Sylvain I agree the emotional support animals are B.S. but they are legal and we have to abide by the law.

If the animal is an ESA, you are allowed to ask if the person is disabled and what service the animal provides. That's about it. You can't charge extra pet rent or even a pet deposit because it's legally not considered a pet. In the eyes of the law, it's no different than a cane or a wheelchair.

Keep in mind, just because the ESA is not considered a pet doesn't mean it gets to run rampant, disturb the neighbors, crap all over the parking lot, or tear up the house. If the animal is a nuisance or causing damage, you can have it removed.