Emotional Support Dog

[David K.]

Hello BP community,

I own a 2-fam townhouse in PA. The upstairs tenant moved in about 2 years ago and since obtained a pitbull. The HOA has dog size restrictions and this pitbull does not qualify. A neighbor recently complained and the HOA told me to remove the dog or evict the tenant or I will have to face consequences.

I relayed the message to the tenant and he came back with official paper that claims his dog is "Emotional Support Dog". The document has ID, dog's picture and it also says that Fed requires landlords to allow emotional support animals onto the premises.

This seems to be a nasty loophole and I do not have a clue how to deal with it. I showed it to HOA and they are looking into it but I still want the tenant out. Now, I am looking to just have his lease run its course and then tell the tenant that I do not want to extend the lease to him.

I would appreciate your comments especially if you had this happen to you - how do I get rid of him?

thanks

David