Today I received the following email from a tenant with the subject line above:
Dear Paula,
I
hope you're doing well. I wanted to inform you that I have an Emotional Support
Animal (ESA) living with me in the house. She is a German Shepard mix
weighing 25 lbs.
I
understand the importance of following the guidelines in the lease agreement,
and I wanted to ensure that I am in compliance with any relevant policies
regarding ESAs. If you need any documentation or further details about my ESA,
please let me know, and I’d be happy to provide it.
Thank
you for your understanding and support. Please feel free to reach out with any
questions.
...
Her lease renewed last November, before which she asked whether I would consider a 6-month lease. I tried to speculate on the reason for the question, but she responded, "It's just a question." I said no, so we renewed for another 12 months.
A couple of years ago, she had asked for permission to get a "pet," but my properties are pet free, and I did not respond in a way that was very "sensitive" to her supposed emotional needs. So this time she comes to me with it being a done deal and I suppose, a legal challenge.
The only "guidelines in the lease agreement" regarding animals is DO NOT HAVE ANY THERE.
What would you do in this situation? A German Shepherd is not likely to stay 25 pounds for long! Thanks
