Tenant wants a dog because he says it is a service animal

[Bryce Ropp]

Hi!

I'm a new landlord. I just put a listing on Facebook and got a message from a guy who said he has a service animal and my no animal policy doesn't count. I checked out his profile and he's a trucker and can run around, so it sounds like he just wants a dog for free.

Can I (without getting sued--

Ask what kind disability he has that requires a dog?

Ask him to see the doctors note allowing it?

Ask if it is an emotional support animal?

Can I deny his emotional support animal?

Thanks for your help! I just don't want to get a lawsuit on my first day

[Jeff Copeland]

Your market doesn't matter. The ADA is a federal law, and it's not one you want to break.

Luckily, there is a super simple answer:

Set up a landlord profile on PetScreening.com and send him the link to complete an application for his service animal. 

Outsource all of your pet, ESA, and Service Animal screenings to them. That way every applicant is treated exactly the same and you do not have to become an expert in this complex web of federal laws and regulations, since they already are!

Note: I have no affiliation with them whatsoever (other than as a customer), but as a property manager I have used them for years with no issues. They come highly recommended by many attorneys and property management organizations.