When Should a Prospect Disclose Their Animal?
In a perfect world, a prospective tenant would disclose their assistance animal at the beginning of the screening process. This way, a reasonable accommodation application can be processed in tandem with the rental application. However, many people may choose to withhold that information, which can come off as distrustful. What is a reasonable accommodation application? A reasonable accommodation application is separate from the rental application and has no bearing on the prospect’s approval. Regardless of when the animal is disclosed, the property staff must go through the same process of identifying the disability and subsequent need for an assistance animal. When the application is filed, it should not influence the decision-making process with regard to tenancy.
WHAT IS A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION APPLICATION? A reasonable accommodation application is separate from the rental application and has no bearing on the prospect’s approval.
Once an application is completed and verified, the resident is free to have their assistance animal live with them regardless of size, breed or the property’s existing pet policy. This can prove challenging, especially if the property is an otherwise pet-free property.
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