All Forum Posts by: Susan H.

Smiles .

No I will not give her any review and will not lie to the next person either .
I have not spoken to her next landlord yet.

I know most members here would come out less damaged and be better prepared than I was.

If there is one advice I have for anyone reading this is a "Mold Addendum" in your lease .
My next tenants are signing one before they move in. Can't imagine any lease without one.

Forget the dog issue there are at least half a dozen other reasons to reject this applicant. I would not have given her a second thought and filed her as a no from the get go.

@Susan H. You're a sweetie. I didn't find a HUD letter specifically for physical disabilities (service dogs) rather than companion animals, but you could tweak the letter if they're claiming a physical disability, easy enough.

Just wanted to mention that the only kind of service animals that are allowed to go everywhere with the owner, are those that are trained service animals, that do a specific action for the disabled person.  For example, alert someone with epilepsy they're about to have a seizure, get between a vet with PTSD and other people if he/she starts to get stressed out, and of course, pick things up off the floor for those in wheelchairs, and seeing-eye dogs, etc.

But, companion animals are not allowed to go everywhere with their owner.  They are strictly for companionship, and don't have the same "rights."  Tenants will abuse this, and if you know the laws, you can call their bluff.  Ask them for a letter from their medical professional to explain why this is a trained service animal and what exactly it is trained to do that sets it apart from a companion animal.

Oh and diabetes doesn't qualify as a disability that requires a service animal LOL.  

Okay, I'll shut up now :-)

At the bottom of my ad I ask questions that folks must answer when they respond by anonymous CL e-mail to get an answer back from me: How many people? How many animals? Does anyone smoke?  Those are three anyway.  Prevents problems and surprises like this.  Sounds like a long nightmare waiting to happen, Susan!

I believe what you're looking for is stated HERE - page 3, bottom of second column.

"persons who are seeking a reasonable accommodation for an emotional support animal may be required to provide documentation from a physician, psychiatrist, social worker, or other mental health professional that the animal provides support that alleviates at least one of the identified symptoms or effects of the existing disability. "

Hope that helps!

Hi @Susan H.

I’m a representative with TransUnion SmartMove. Per SmartMove’s terms of use, each applicant being screened must verify their own identity. I hope that answers your question, if I can help with anything else feel free to send me a note through BiggerPockets. Thanks!

Whether he fills out the application or she does, it seems he still needs to sign it himself for the background check to be done legally. I'm not familiar with those on-line programs, but if I were you, I would put the inquiry to them. Also, if you approve their application and offer to rent the place to them, you will need both of their signatures on the rental/lease agreement for it to be binding. If the wife misrepresents the husband during the application process, it could be grounds for denial.