New landlords have a no pet clause..however, the old landlords allowed pets.. I am disabled...what can i do...very upset

Landlord Tenant 1 views 2 answers
The building i have lived in for a little over three years has it's 4 new landlord. The last landlord allowed pets and this was such a great relief to my overall well being. I am disabled and suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD. I can get a letter from my doctors for the new owners to proved my disability and my pets needed in my life. one of the old building mgrs is not a manager anymore and does not have the authority to enforce the new policies, but he has already harrassed me on this issue. two other tenants spoke in passing to the the new manager about myself and how i am in need of my 2 cats....that i am very clean, my place in clean, that i take great care of them and myself, that i don't bug anyone else and my cats either. new mgmt has been here a month. now what

Attorney Answers

2
Golnar SargeantLitigation LawyerIrvine, CA ·
Make sure you are using the proper terminology because there are strong legal ramifications. Service Animals are governed by the ADA, are usually for people with physical disabilities, and have huge protections. Animals for anxiety and depression are Emotional Support Animals. These are NOT service animals. Emotional Support Animals are not governed by the ADA, but rather by the Fair Housing Act. They do not enjoy anywhere near the level of protection that a Service Animal enjoys. With limitations, landlords have to allow them with some restrictions if you have the appropriate paperwork, but ESAs can be denied entry by businesses and in any other context other than housing. ESA is a very new area, and I've seen seasoned Animal Law and Disability attorneys disagree on these boards on the issue. That is why I suggest going to the source--contact the FHA office directly and see what paperwork you need to designate it as an ESA (to make sure your papers are in order) and ask them what your rights are under the FHA. If you truly have a Service Animal, then the landlord can not do this.
0 upvotes

People Also Asked