Informed of Service Animal in Unit Shared by College student

[Matt Hendrickson]

Help!

I self manage a few properties, one of which is a house that I rent out to multiple college students by room. I just received this email from a tenant: 

"I just wanted to inform you that I got a service animal and that she’ll be joining me in the room."
 -Brandon

I know this is a hot topic/issue, but this is my first time encountering it. I realize FHA will require that I accommodate this request should he provide doctors note, etc. I'm worried, however, about allergies of other tenants as well as potential damage. What have you done about this issue? I appreciate any help!

[Jeff Lehman]

@Kevin Blanchard If a tenant truly has a need for an emotional support animal,  you may not charge any "pet fee" or "pet rent". I looked into this because I had a tenant who was asking to get a dog as an emotional support animal. I also found out that you cannot restrict a tenant when it comes to breed Etc.

My tenant did up end up getting a dog without giving me a letter from a doctor or therapist. I simply ended the lease because my insurance company said that I could lose my insurance if that dog ever bit someone. This was because the dog was a breed that was on the insurance companies list of prohibited dogs. It simply wasn't worth the risk to me.

I have since been contemplating the idea of simply allowing pets and charging for them. My theory is that most tenants will likely not use the excuse that they need an emotional support animal if they are allowed to have the pet.  I believe that they use not for an excuse, simply to get a pet. If they're going to have a pet, why not be able to legally charge for it. This way I also have say as to what breed of dog they can have