Are you a new landlord wondering if you should have a pet-friendly rental property? Pets are a popular choice for many American homes, but they may not be right for your property.
Before you decide on whether to allow pets, you should know about the types of animals that you can accommodate for your rental. Read on to learn about the difference between service animals, emotional support animals, and pets.
Service Animals
When you go out in public and see a dog wearing a vest, there's a good chance it is a service animal. These animals are registered and legally permitted through the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Service dogs receive special training so they can assist their disabled owners with tasks. Sometimes they do things like retrieve medication, alert the owner of an oncoming medical event, or simply help them get around.
Most importantly, you cannot legally deny tenancy to a potential renter because he or she has a service animal. Under the law, you must make reasonable accommodations as well. For instance, a blind tenant may require a first-floor unit and green space for their service animal.
In addition, you cannot charge pet rent for people with service animals. It is best to follow the laws when it comes to these types of animals so you do not get into legal hot water.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals are somewhat of a gray area for landlords. While these types of animals are a step above a pet, they don't have the same legal protections that service animals do.
However, landlords cannot deny emotional support animals in Wisconsin unless they are completely unreasonable. The potential tenant would also have to prove that he or she has a disability and needs the emotional support animal.
One key difference between ESAs and service animals is how they function. While service animals receive specialized training to perform tasks, emotional support animals are there to offer comfort.
Pets
Pets are the most common type of animal that potential tenants can have. Unlike service animals or ESAs, you can deny someone from moving in if they have a pet.
You can also charge pet rent in your tenancy agreement. This can come in the form of a one-time deposit, similar to a security deposit, or monthly payments in addition to the regular rent.
It may benefit you to have a pet-friendly rental, though. You can widen the net when looking for new tenants if you accept renters with furry friends.
Know the Different Types of Support Animals
If you're a landlord, it can be tricky to know the difference between the types of support animals. With this guide, you can demystify the concept and make informed decisions for your rentals.
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Our combination of expertise and market knowledge makes us the partners you need. Contact us today or reach out for a free rental analysis.
