@Robert Shoffner
A request for an assistance animal is a simply a reasonable accommodation request - like having door widths widened or a wheel chair ramp installed. Reasonable accommodations are intended for people with a disability. A person with a disability has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (for example, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working). A disability needs to be established and approving the request will afford them with an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the unit or the property.
With all reasonable accommodations, I have the tenant submit a formal request (in writing) of exactly what they are requesting. This eliminates any uncertainty as to what's being requested. If the disability is not obvious, then the disability must be verified - NOT disclosed what the disability is. They can verify the disability by providing proof of receipt of disability benefits (Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Veterans disability benefits, etc.) or by submitting information of a third party verification that can verify (usually a medical professional) they have a disability.
I have them bring a form to their third party verification or fax it over. On the form is describes the definition of a disabled person based on the Fair Housing Act. It asks if the tenant/applicant meets the definition, doesn't meet it, or they don't know. If the tenant does meet it, it asks if the reasonable accommodation request is necessary and directly related to the described disability - yes no don't know. If yes, they must describe why it's directly related and necessary to afford equal opportunity to the use the unit/property/common area. Failure to fill that section out may be grounds for denial of the reasonable accommodation request.
After received, I'll call to verify the form was in fact completed by the third party verification. After reviewing, I'll send something in writing approving it or denying it. If denying it, I always try to recommend other alternative solutions. I keep all my reasonable accommodation requests, verification, and decisions to provide documentation of previous decision in the event of a challenge. For assistance animals, it's more or less a guaranteed approval.
As previously stated, assistance animals are NOT pets, therefore they are not governed by any pet policy. They cannot be restricted by breed, weight limit, type of animal (dog, cat, pony, pig, etc.) and are not subject to a pet fee, pet deposit, or additional pet rent as they are NOT pets. They can be cause damage, which can be charged beyond reasonable wear and tear.
