Emotional Support Animals and Renting: What Landlords Should Know

FAQ 1: Emotional Support Animals and Renting: What do Landlord-Tenant Laws Say About Emotional Support Animals?

As a landlord, it is important to understand the rights of tenants with service animals or emotional support animals. These animals are not considered pets and are protected under federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA).

First and foremost, landlords must allow tenants with service animals or emotional support animals to live in their rental property, even if the property has a no-pets policy. These animals provide important support and assistance to individuals with disabilities and denying them access to rental housing would be a violation of the law.

It is also important for landlords to understand the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal. A service animal is trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability, such as guiding a person who is blind or alerting a person who is deaf. In contrast, an emotional support animal provides companionship and support to individuals with mental or emotional disabilities.

Landlords may ask tenants for documentation to verify that their animal is a service animal or emotional support animal. However, they cannot ask for detailed information about the tenant's disability or the specific tasks that the animal is trained to perform.

Can You Charge Pet Rent for an Emotional Support Animal?

Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with service animals or emotional support animals. This may include allowing the animal to accompany the tenant in areas of the property where pets are typically not allowed, such as common areas or elevators. Landlords may not charge tenants with service animals or emotional support animals any additional fees or deposits.

In summary, landlords have a legal obligation to accommodate tenants with service animals or emotional support animals. It is important to understand the differences between these animals and the rights of individuals with disabilities under the ADA and FHA. By making reasonable accommodations and allowing these animals in rental properties, landlords can ensure that they are complying with the law and providing equal access to housing for all tenants.

FAQ 2: How to Advertise a Rental Property

As a landlord, one of your main goals is to attract high-quality tenants to your rental property. In order to do this, you need to advertise and market your property effectively. By reaching out to potential tenants and showcasing the features and benefits of your rental property, you can increase your chances of success and find the right tenant for your property. Here are some of the best ways to advertise your rental property.

One of the best ways to advertise and market your rental property is to use online listing sites. Online listing sites, such as Zillow, Trulia, and Craigslist, allow you to list your property and reach a large audience of potential tenants. These sites typically offer a range of features and tools, such as detailed property descriptions, photos, and videos, as well as the ability to contact tenants and schedule showings.

Another effective way to advertise and market your rental property is to use social media. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, allow you to reach a large audience of potential tenants and showcase the features and benefits of your property. You can use social media to post photos, videos, and updates about your rental property, and to engage with potential tenants and respond to their questions and comments.

In addition to online listings and social media, you can also advertise and market your rental property through traditional channels, such as print and broadcast media. You can place ads in local newspapers, on billboards, and on local radio and TV stations. These channels can be effective for reaching a local audience and can help to generate interest and inquiries about your rental property.

In conclusion, advertising and marketing your rental property effectively is essential for attracting high-quality tenants. By using online listing sites, social media, and traditional channels, you can reach a large audience of potential renters.