My fiance and I own a duplex where we live in one side and we rent the other side out. We have a vacancy to fill, and posted an ad online. We have recieved many responses, including a few friends we know and trust. We have a couple who wants to move in, but they have 2 dogs. My fiance and I own a dog of our own, and we are considering getting rid of him due to not enough space and proximity to the road even. We do not want to allow renters with pets. Normally, we would just say no, but they say they have a doctors note for both of them saying they need the dogs for therapeutic reasons. I know, legally, we cannot discriminate against people who are disabled and need a seeing eye dog and such, but does this count as a disability, if they can provide the note? Just imagining two dogs in the living area we have is tough, since the place is not exactly huge, we find 1 dog to be a problem alot. Can we legally turn them down, or is this considred a disability? The woman just had back surgery.
2006-06-27 16:19:51 · 20 answers · asked by pixie_vixen117 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Any where we could find details would really be appreciated too, since we might have to back up any claims with facts.
2006-06-27 16:20:22 · update #1
I would be more understanding if it were just 1 dog, but 2? Also, I would not discriminate if I felt it was an honest reason, such as blindness or seizures, but she says its for therapeutic reasons, does this count as a disability? Anyone have legal advice as well, not just opinion?
2006-06-27 16:26:08 · update #2
She is married and said both her and her husband need a dog for the same reasons, this is what has me wondering.
Also, we have alot of serious applicants, and we plan on looking at other criteria, such as employment and rental history on ALL applicants.
2006-06-27 16:27:37 · update #3
Well the question has answered itself. The woman is no longer interested once we asked for a copy of the doctors note or information from the doctor. So I guess it is settled then.
2006-06-27 16:29:58 · update #4
I do not know the state your rental is in, but here in California, I can offer this advice. First, never, never give a reason for not renting to an individual. Always accept all applications and do not give a due date for an answer. This keeps you out of many difficulties. I always tell the person that "I am accepting applications" and I never give a reason for not accepting a tenant. As for the people with dogs, don't get into specific reasons as to why you are not renting to them. You have the right to accept the best possible tenants for your rental. If you do decide to rent to someone with a pet, you are entitled to ask for more rent (wear and tear) and a much higher security deposit.
2006-06-27 16:30:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry, but to the few who said this is discrimination I completely disagree(only my opinion though). Maybe throwing a party would be therapeutic for me, does that mean I can do it? I'm sure I could find someone to write me a note! Apartment buildings adverting can say "NO PETS". I'm glad it all worked out for you in the end.....people shouldn't lie. Have a good week all!!
2006-06-28 11:05:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look into your local law. You may be allowed to collect an additional deposit to cover for pet damages/fumigation/etc as pets can damage flooring and litter the property with allergins for any future tenants. I worked at a property that would have to do extensive maintenance work to units when pet owners moved out, often these things were deductable from their security deposits.
You may also want to be blunt with them, that it may not be in *their* best interest to have a dog at this location with space restrictions/proximity to the street and so on. That's providing them with information and should not be taken as discriminatory
2006-06-27 17:17:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't think that this is discriminatory at all. you should check with an attorney regarding this matter, but according to fair housing it doesn't seem discriminatory, as long as you didn't advertise "dogs/pets allowed".
i am a pet owner myself, and would never consider renting somewhere that didn't allow pets, and i'd make it a point to ask first before signing any leases,etc. although i love my pets as if they were my children, i don't think there are any "fair housing for pets" laws regarding residential dwellings.
explain to her that you'e like to accomodate them, but that you don't allow pets.
also, i believe that if you own only a certain number of rental units/dwellings (3 or less, i think), then you can be a little more pickier in renting/leasing than if you were in charge of a whole apt. complex.
2006-06-27 16:32:00 · answer #4 · answered by thetoothfairyiscreepy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is a special beauty in this because you own and live in half the house....that means you can deny tenants without facing discrimination...as far as the dog thing goes you do not have to turn your property into a kennel. you can find landlord tenant rights by going to your library and checking out a book, you can do it on line, but you have to get rights for your state. In the meantime tell them sorry, but no dogs.
2006-06-27 16:27:02 · answer #5 · answered by curious115 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if it's considered discrimination but this day and age it is very hard to find any place that will accept pets of any kind and it's very sad...I understand that you find it hard to live with your one dog but if the person is willing to pay rent to you then they should be the one to worry about wether or not the place is too small and suitable enough for them..
2006-06-27 16:36:11 · answer #6 · answered by Penny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unprofessional response here, but it seems you are discriminating against them due to their handicap condition. I don't know if "therapeutic reason" qualifies the need or not - sounds like a question for a lawyer who deals with this type.
But on the surface it seems like you are dangerously close to the line.
2006-06-27 16:25:29 · answer #7 · answered by dm_dragons 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-13 21:50:50 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your browser...type in your state..then go to "landlord's rights." Most landlords require an additional amount of money on the deposit for people who own pets, if they allow them at all. And, it is not discrimination to prohibit renters from having pets if you have them yourself. You own the property.
2006-06-27 16:22:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not in the least, most renter will not care for your property. I have a dog. I waited to get one until I bought my own house.
2006-06-27 16:22:57 · answer #10 · answered by McKinney M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋