Are you a San Diego property manager who is searching for more information on emotional support animals.
Understanding the difference between emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals is essential for San Diego property managers because, in today’s world it’s not uncommon for tenants to genuinely have emotional support animals while there may be other tenants who try to take advantage of this trend.
Thankfully, as a long time San Diego property manager we’ve been on top of the latest developments regarding emotional support animals and can offer you clarity about them.
Service Animals: Defined by the ADA
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are dogs (and in some cases, miniature horses) that are individually trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. These tasks can include guiding the visually impaired, alerting a person who is deaf to sounds, or detecting oncoming seizures. Service animals are not considered pets, and landlords must allow them—even in “no pets” housing—without charging pet deposits or fees.
Emotional Support Animals: Covered by the Fair Housing Act
Emotional support animals provide therapeutic benefits to those with emotional or psychological disabilities, but do not require specialized training. ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), not the ADA. Tenants must provide a letter from a licensed healthcare provider verifying their need. Like service animals, ESAs are permitted in housing, and landlords cannot charge additional fees.
What San Diego Property Managers Should Know
For professionals in San Diego property management, it’s crucial to handle accommodation requests carefully and consistently. You can request documentation for ESAs, but not for service animals. Missteps in handling these requests can lead to costly legal disputes.
By staying informed about the legal distinctions between service animals and emotional support animals, San Diego property managers can ensure compliance with federal laws, maintain positive relationships with tenants, and protect property owners from legal risk.
Contact GoldenWest Management
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