5 Tips for Landlords When Renting to Tenants with Emotional Support Dogs

So, you’ve found yourself in the landlord’s seat. You’re juggling rent payments, the perpetually pesky leaky faucets, and now – tenants with emotional support dogs. You’ve probably heard of the laws, rights, and responsibilities swirling around these dogs. Emotional support animals (ESAs) come with their own set of rules; not knowing them might lead you into the murky waters of tenant disputes, and you surely don’t want that. 

Here’s how you can keep your rental property, your tenants, and yourself in good shape.

1. Know your rights, but don’t get defensive

Landlords, breathe easy. You have rights too. Sure, your tenants with emotional support dogs have specific protections, but nothing says your property is up for grabs like a free-for-all dog park. Federal laws, like the Fair Housing Act, mean you can’t charge pet rent or deposits for ESAs, but you can still require documentation.

The tenant must provide proof, typically a letter from a licensed mental health professional. If this sounds a bit clinical, it’s because it is. But don’t let the paperwork overwhelm you. Just because the ESA papers are legitimate doesn’t mean your hands are tied. You can enforce your regular rules: no damage, nuisance, or chaos.

2. Privacy is Critical

Your tenants have a legal right to privacy regarding their health. Emotional support animals are paired with individuals managing mental health conditions and disabilities that might not be immediately apparent. While you may find yourself wondering about the legitimacy of their claims, there are boundaries you cannot cross.

You can verify the signature of the licensed professional who provided the ESA documentation. A quick call to confirm the letter’s authenticity is fair game. However, you cannot ask the tenant – or the professional—why the ESA is necessary, nor can you request access to medical records. Keep it professional and stick to what’s permitted.

3. Enforce the rules but stay open

You want to keep things fair, transparent, and amicable. It’s easy to let the emotional aspect of emotional support animals sway your decisions but stick to your policies. That doesn’t mean you should dig in your heels like an immovable bureaucrat, but you have a right to know what you’re dealing with. Get everything in writing. That means clarifying whether an ESA will be on the property before signing lease agreements. Emotional support dogs are often the source of unexpected discussions, but tenants must disclose them early on.

Once you’re clear on that, follow through on due diligence. Some landlords find themselves in tricky situations because they aren’t clear about property rules or the tenants’ obligations. Know what needs to be done and execute it precisely.

4. Suggest asking for assistance if your tenants need it

Landlords know the drill. Tenants, moving vans, and oversized furniture can quickly turn into a disaster scene. If a tenant moves in with a bunch of furniture and an emotional support animal, one helpful tip could be to suggest your tenants ask furniture movers for help moving, particularly if you’re in a bustling city like Memphis, TN. They likely don’t want to be the one squeezing their sofa through the door while a dog’s barking at their feet. Therefore, it makes the process smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.

Suggest furniture movers to help the tenant (and their emotional support dog to stay calm) and ensure your walls and doorframes don’t become collateral damage in the moving process. It’s one of those little things that makes a big difference in a rental situation. 

5. Communicate with confidence

Let’s face it: clear communication is your best friend here. When renting to tenants with emotional support dogs, misunderstandings can quickly spiral into legal issues or just general chaos if you’re not careful. So, how do you navigate these choppy waters without capsizing the boat? Simple: ensure your lease agreements are watertight and clear and that you discuss everything upfront with your tenants.

What does that mean in real terms? State your pet policies in black and white. Explain any exceptions or obligations regarding emotional support animals so there’s no room for confusion later on. It’s all about setting expectations and keeping everyone (both tenant and dog) on the same page. Don’t let anything be vague. Documenting everything is crucial, from the type of dog to any potential damages they might cause.

Clear landlord-to-tenant(s) communication helps you avoid unnecessary drama. A well-drafted lease and a direct conversation with the tenant are like a pre-emptive strike against those dreaded late-night phone calls about barking or complaints from other tenants.

Conclusion

Renting to tenants with emotional support dogs doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety, and it certainly doesn’t have to mean you’re sacrificing control of your property. By maintaining clear boundaries, being well-versed in the laws, and communicating expectations up front, you can create a rental experience that works for both you and your tenants. Now you’ve got the tools. Just remember: clear communication, solid policies, and a little help from movers ensure everyone – doggie included – is happy.

RentRedi Partners

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