WTF service dog? Is this the new trend to get around No Pets?

[Mike Franco]

Today I got 2 inquiries from prospective renters with service dogs. One is a chihuahua, and the other inquirer's dog is a puppy, and not even certified yet. It still has 26 weeks of training left before being certified.

I have never dealt with such pet situations. And I'm not sure how to deal with them within the confines of the law.

I have a no pets policy. WTF is up with these renter applicants having small dogs being certified as emotional support /service dogs.

Sounds like a sneaky way to get around a no pets policy, and force landlords to suffer the wrath of misbehaving dogs.

That other  applicant with the puppy was saying how it's against the law to deny them and crap, but what about during the application process?

When did dogs become a protected class?  What if I say I will allow emotional support lizards, snakes, birds and other non-dogs/cats... Would I be breaking so discrimination law?

Now especially with doctors more than willing to write a recommendation for a service dog as easily as I can get a prescription for viagra... What defense do we have against these people who insist on renting no-pet rentals?

[Russell Brazil]

There is no certification for a service animal.

Obey the law, pretty simple

Service animals are not pets under the law. They are to be treated no differently than say a wheelchair.

Civil penalties for a first violation are $16,000, so I wouldnt suggest discriminating during the application process.

The disabled became a protected class on March 12th 1989 under the Fair Housing Amendments act of 1988.

"Now especially with doctors more than willing to write a recommendation for a service dog as easily as I can get a prescription for viagra... What defense do we have against these people who insist on renting no-pet rentals?"



You have several options. Obey the law, break the law and accept the penalties, or choose not to be in the business of providing housing.