Therapy Service Dogs & Pet Fees

[Jordan S.]

Hi All,

We have a tenant with an 18 month lease expiring in June.  We have had a $50/month pet fee in place for her dog since day one.  Tenant has expressed numerous times that she doesn't agree with the pet fee but has been paying it and rent on time.  Tenant recently mentioned in passing during another conversation that her dog is now registered as a "service dog" for her own anxiety so that she can fly commercially with the dog.  I know this is as easy as buying a vest and ID card for your dog these days.

I found an interesting article here on this subject:  https://www.american-apartment-owners-association.org/property-management/latest-news/pet-policies-vs-companion-animals/

Anyway, looking ahead I suspect this tenant is going to try to play this card on us somehow to get out of paying the monthly pet fee.  This is in Pennsylvania.   We may just nix the pet fee, go month to month and raise rent to the equivalent to cover the pet fee.  

Any thoughts on this?