How to Live with Your Pet in a No-Pet Property

For many pet owners renting a property becomes a challenge. Landlords unwillingly allow tenants to live with pets. They can be understood: often, when tenants move out, they leave damaged items, and the landlord has a lot to repair or replace. Vicious or aggressive pet’s temper is a second reason why landlords have a grudge against pets in the apartments.

Unfortunately, the housing problem often becomes the reason why pets end up in animal shelters. In this article, we will give you some tips on how to make an agreement with your landlord and peacefully live with your pet in a no-pet property. You will also get to know more about ESA and service pets and the difference between them.

Is It Possible To  Live With Companion Animals In a No-Pet Property?

A companion animal is a domestic animal that doesn’t require any special training or certificate and live with people for company, amusement, psychological support, etc. If the property you want to move in is no-pet friendly, you have no legal rights to debate the landlord’s decision. However, you can try to change his/her point of view. Explain to a landlord how important this pet is for you. Ask your potential landlord to meet with you and your pet in an informal atmosphere so that he/she can personally see that your pet is obedient and calm. Such a gesture shows your serious attitude to the property and your intention to live with a pet. To drive the point home, show documentation (if any) about vaccines, training classes, etc. You can also offer a reasonable additional pay for renting with a pet or, as an option, a refundable pet deposit.

Living In a No-Pet Property With an ESA

According to Federal Fair Housing Laws, landlords are not allowed to refuse ESA (Emotional Support Animals) to access the property even if it’s a no-pet apartment or house. Moreover, there has to be no additional fee for living with your ESA. It’s because ESA is considered to be a medical treatment for people with different mental and emotional problems. ESA provides aid to individuals with certain mental or emotional problems. To be qualified as an ESA, a person with a disability has to apply for an ESA letter written by a certified doctor.

One of the most common reasons why a landlord can refuse tenants accompanied by emotional support animals is that they don’t know the law. If you want to find an agreement with a difficult landlord, be sincere. Let him/her know about your animal beforehand, provide all the legal information, and describe your rights.

Be aware that a landlord cannot refuse you because of your disability, but he/she can refuse you for other legal reasons. For instance, if your requirements are unreasonable and put the landlord at a hardship, jeopardizing the continued availability of the residence to other residents. Register your emotional support animal in the easiest way online.

Is It Easier To Rent a Property With a Service Pet?

Yes, to some extent. The notion “service animal” is more common and known by people and landlords, in particular. According to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) a service animal is the one that has been trained in a certain way to help people with a range of various disabilities. People with such physical or mental limitations cannot be refused to rent a property with a service dog.  Moreover, a landlord is not allowed to ask you for any proof or documentation about your pet’s training or a type of disability. However, it’s up to you whether to provide a landlord with this information or not. In case your disability is not visible enough, some proof may come in handy.

General Tips on How to Increase Your Chances to Find A Rental House for Living With a Pet:

• Spend time to search for a property that meets your requirements. There is almost no property that welcomes all types of pets and breeds. But landlords are different, not all of them dislike animals. Try to search for a home in pets-friendly listings and online classified ads.
• Ask your nearest environment. You have more chances to find a good renting option if you have a recommendation from your relatives or friends.
• Create a kind of resume for your pet. Include photos, describe your pet’s best qualities, mention certificates, favorite activities, a written proof that your dog has finished some courses or training.

Conclusion

In spite of the fact that ADA treats ESA differently than service animals, the Federal Fair Housing laws treat them similarly. If a person has a verified need for a service animal or ESA, the landlord has to provide reasonable accommodation for them. In case a landlord doesn’t allow any pets in his/her property, you cannot ignore this fact. But you can try to persuade him/her. Even when a property is marked as a “no-pet”, landlords can make exceptions, especially if they are animal lovers by themselves. It’s always worth trying. Official letter verifying that you’re accompanied by a service dog will increase your chances for success. Get more expert details about what documentation a landlord can ask for providing a service dog and how to register a service dog on Cerifymypet.