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Updated over 3 years ago,
Emotional support Animals, registration and proof
I have New tenant for which I signed a new lease on June 12, 20. At that moment, they did not have any pets and 2 days later they said they were gifted with a dog by a friend and the dog is registered as a Emotional support animal. Truthfully I was unaware of the ESA guidelines and Fair housing authority rules so said let's sign the pet addendum and that there will be a pet deposit and pet rent. They responded with a google search picture stating FAir housing authority (FHA) says no additional Pet deposit or rent can be collected. So I did my research and according to FHA guidelines, we can ask for supporting documents if no disability is visibly present. I am fine with the Emotional support animal if it's a true need; So I requested from the tenant a statement from a doctor stating his need for a emotional support animal (ESA). Per FHA Since then, it's been 4-5 days and I have not heard from him. What should I do? My hunch is that the pet is not truly a ESA for any medical need but simply a method of getting out of paying additional deposit and rent. What is your experience in this case? Any advice?
Thank you!