Mistake #5. Not asking for a letter of verification
Tenants can provide letters from doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, therapists, and other mental health professionals. The letter must state: 1. The tenant has been under the provider’s care 2.He or she meets the definition of disability 3. And due to that disability, he or she needs a certain animal in order to alleviate disability related difficulties, to live independently, and to enjoy that housing
Mistake #6.
Asking for the tenant’s medical records or confidential healthcare information
The above does not apply to confidential medical records protected by HIPAA. Do not ask for this information.
Mistake #7. Not requiring tenants to sign ESA lease riders
Leases should identify the animal in as much detail as possible and require proof of inoculation and licensing. Allowing the ESA to damage the property, persistently bark, or otherwise cause a nuisance are grounds to evict the tenant, as is neglecting the animal.
A LANDLORD MAY, THEREFORE, REFUSE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR AN ESA, IF THE SPECIFIC ANIMAL POSES A DIRECT THREAT.
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