Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 54%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$69 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated over 5 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

386
Posts
169
Votes
Luke H.
  • Real Estate Investor
  • Dallas, TX
169
Votes |
386
Posts

Rental:No pets, No animals, Pet deposit, Pet rent, Service animal

Luke H.
  • Real Estate Investor
  • Dallas, TX
Posted

Hi all,
I did a search on this forum before posting and the latest topic is from last year. Seeing as the law changes fast I thought I would post these questions. I also checked the Texas landlord tenant laws handbook and it doesn't have anything on this:

A) My rental AD says No pets, I've since changed it to No animals.
Potential tenants are asking if I accept service animals.
1) By law do I have to say yes to this question no matter what?
2) Can I request copies of all service animals paper work, certifications, and any other information they have?
2) Does anyone have a link to actual law on this?
3) If it turns out that I decide to rent under these circumstances and I'm understanding that I can't charge a pet deposit, or pet rent or change the rent rate in general before the lease even starts?
4) Is it just me or does it feel like the law doesn't give landlords in option of having no Animals on properties?

Thanks

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

366
Posts
314
Votes
Deanna O.
  • Rental Property Investor
  • San Diego, CA
314
Votes |
366
Posts
Deanna O.
  • Rental Property Investor
  • San Diego, CA
Replied

You may wish to look up the difference between "service animal" and "Emotional support animal"(ESA). Service animals can be for a number of things (seizure, blood sugar, and of course guide dog for the blind). ESA is supposed to be for someone who, according to a health professional,  "can't function normally " without the presence of that animal. Unfortunately the ESA classification has been abused by the "doesn't want to pay for pet" and "I'm specialer than everyone else" folk. 

I'm personally not a fan of tenants who lie. 

Loading replies...