Every propective tenant has an emotional support animal (s)...

[Scott Lewis]

I have a unit that just opened up and all 3 inquiries claim to have an emotional support animal. I’ve been landlording for about 7 years with a few units and now it’ seems standard for people to claim a pet as ESA’s in order to get into units with no fee’s. One prospect even quoted the Fair Housing Act and basically said I have to take her dog. When I ask for paperwork and remind them that I will verify, they go away... but it’s a pain and a waste of time. I‘m in Arkansas. Does anyone know if there are criminal penalties for misrepesenting an animal to fall under the FHA?