Currently, almost every homestead owns an animal as a pet or a health companion. Dogs and cats are the most common pets. The two are common because of their quick adaptability in a home setting. It’s scientifically proven that pets are the best companion one could ever have. Their jovial mood is unique and fulfilling. Health professionals state that animals are the best things to have around even for the emotional and mentally challenged individuals.
Emotional Support Animal Housing Laws
Dogs, birds, cats, and rabbits among many other pets are the most common emotional support animals. These type of animals don’t necessarily require any training. They provide pure love and comfort to individuals undergoing emotional challenges. Much has been revealed about how such animals can help people overcome the obstacles. However, many owners don’t understand their rights when it comes to owning one, especially concerning the fair housing act.
Without saying much, I will proceed and break down a few common housing rules that apply to the ESA and its owners.
1. Houses covered
Individuals undergoing a mental disability or emotional challenges have a right to fair housing together with the pet. However, according to the FHA act, your place of residence may restrict the presence of the animal. The exciting thing is that most residential properties qualify to have the animal around. Every housing, even the public dwellings are covered by the FHA act.
However, according to the rules, rental apartments with four or fewer units aren’t covered by the animal act. Especially where the property owner happens to reside in one of the units, it’s against the FHA act to have the ESA around. Also, the single-family homes sold or rented directly by the owner don’t fit under the FHA criteria. However, when sold through a broker, these homes fall under the FHA category. Besides, the FHA acts don’t favor the housings owned by organizations such as religious premises and private clubs. In case the organizations restrict occupancy to their members, it’s against the FHA act to have the lovely animal in them.
2. Fees
As stated earlier, people who suffer from mental and emotional disorders have a right to own a support animal of their choice. However, most people confuse the support animals for pets which are two different things. It’s right to say that support animals are technically not pets and by this, I mean that the owners don’t have to pay pet fees.
However, most house owners demand a security deposit when renting the property. They have the right, and that is according to the FHA act. Also, as the animal owner, you’re supposed to pay for any damages that the animal causes to the rented house. We can both agree that these animals can be at times messy, especially when you’re not around most of the time. Besides, you must ensure that the animal doesn’t cause disturbances to the other tenants. The landlord can use the other tenant’s complaints as an excuse to throw you out of the property. Remember, every tenant is entitled to enjoy his or her stay in the property, and that means free from your animal’s nuisance.
3. Documentation
Every individual with a mental or emotional disability has a right to an assistant animal. These animals are the best companions one can ever have around. According to various studies, the support animals help the individuals cope with the challenges, as well as, improve the symptoms associated with the problems.
However, having the challenges don’t necessarily mean that you can rent a property anyhow. You have to prove that the animal isn’t a pet but an emotional support animal. Many people still don’t understand that the landlord has a right to ask for a valid proof that a tenant requires the animal for his or her health companion. Therefore, before heading out to rent a property, you must get a letter from your therapist or doctor informing the house owner that you need the animal to help you tackle your disorder. Also, according to the FHA act, you are allowed to attach a personal statement to inform the landlord that you require a fair housing for both you and your pet who acts as a support animal.
4. Size of the animal
According to the FHA act, most of the pets qualify as an ESA. An individual undergoing mental and emotional disorders have a right to acquire his or favorite pet, as well as, a fair housing. However, the size of the animal is vital when it comes to renting a house. For example, it’s impossible to have an animal such as a horse in the leased property. We can both agree that its big size can’t allow it to reside in the most residential house setting. Therefore, such animals aren’t considered in the FHA act. However, the size isn’t usually much of a problem as many individuals have cats, dogs, and rabbits among many other small pets as their favorite animals. There are various different breeds and sizes of these animals, however, most can live happily in a house or apartment.
5. Information confidentiality
As stated earlier, your new landlord is entitled to know that you have got a mental or emotional problem and you need a pet as a support animal. The documentation should be from a certified doctor or therapist. However, the FHA act protects the patients’ rights. The documents provided only indicates that you have a problem.
But, they don’t mention the level of your difficulty. Such info is confidential and is between you and your physician, and the landlord has no right to inquire. The landlord shouldn’t discriminate you from acquiring the premise for not revealing your disability. In case of such a problem, the affected individual has the right to file charges under the fair housing act.
Today, animals have become the best human companions. Having a dog, for example, has grown so prevalent in every homestead. According to various studies, pets are known to be the best support animals for individuals with mental and emotional challenges. The sad thing is that most individuals don’t understand their rights when it comes to having a support animal and fair housing act. The article covers the most common housing rules that apply to every ESA’s owner. I hope you’ve read and understood each one of them.
Today, animals have become the best human companions. Having a dog, for example, has become so prevalent in every homestead. According to various studies, pets are known to be the best support animals for individuals with mental and emotional challenges. The sad thing is that most individuals don’t understand their rights when it comes to having a support animal and fair housing act. The article covers the most common housing rules that apply to every ESA’s owner. I hope you’ve read and understood each one of them.
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