Final thread for today concerns Emotional Support Animals (moving forward to be abbreviated ESA). I'm a bit nervous to see what they have to say about ESAs. It's been a grey area for so long. #FairHousingMonth disclaimer again- I am NOT an attorney.

55% of Fair Housing complaints are related to disability. The biggest Fair Housing complaints in regards to disability are about ESAs and Service Animals. The second is in access to parking. #FairHousingMonth

HUD's definition of a Service Animal: A dog that is "Individually trained" to do "work" or perform a task for a person with any kind of disability.

The only exception to that is a miniature horse.

A LL can only ask 2 questions:
1. Is this service animal for a person with a disability?
2. What work or task does the dog perform?

beyond that is a NO NO NO. They are not permitted to ask anything about the disability. If the disability is visible, they are NOT allowed to ask.

If a LL wants to seek documentation for a nonvisible disabilities or they are unclear of the need for a Service Animal:

*The LL can request a document from a health care professional.

*They are not allowed to request details about the tenant's/applicant's health.

Who is considered a professional who can confirm disability?
- physician, optometrist, psychiatrist, psychologist, physician's assistant, nurse, nurse practitioner