Are you still mulling over the decision to allow pets in your Bothell property? If so, it may surprise you to learn that you may not always have a choice.
See, other than pets, your potential tenants may also have service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs). The differences between these categories can significantly impact your property management decisions.
Want to ensure you'll stay compliant with the law? Read on to learn more about the various animals your tenants may want to bring to your property!
What are Service Animals?
Service animals are specially trained to carry out tasks for people with disabilities. The ADA outlines that only dogs count as service animals in Bothell, although miniature horses may qualify in some cases.
These animals assist their handlers in multiple ways, such as:
- Alerting the hearing impaired to sounds
- Pulling a wheelchair
- Alerting and protecting someone who is having a seizure
- Guiding visually impaired individuals
- Reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications
Service animals undergo extensive training and are legally permitted to accompany their handlers almost anywhere. This includes public spaces such as restaurants, stores, and housing units.
What Are Emotional Support Animals?
Emotional support animals provide comfort and support merely through their presence. Unlike service animals, they don't require specialized training to perform tasks. Many animals can be ESAs, including small rodents.
In Bothell, property owners are often required to accommodate ESAs, even in no-pet housing. However, the owner must have a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional to ensure protection under the FHA.
Common Pets vs Service vs Support Animals
Pets are simply animals kept for companionship, enjoyment, or entertainment. They don't have the specialized tasks and roles that service animals or emotional support animals do.
Key differences between pets and service/emotional support animals include:
- Pets do not offer legal protections under the ADA
- Pets can be any animal, whereas service animals are primarily dogs
- ESAs require documentation to validate their role, unlike pets
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for both pet owners and landlords. While pets are often viewed simply as companions, the support animals' law in Bothell has clearly defined roles for ESAs and service animals.
The Impact on Property Management in Bothell, WA
For landlords in Bothell, navigating tenants who own service animals or emotional support pets can be complex. Your key legal obligation is to avoid discrimination when screening tenants.
When renting a property, potential tenants should be clear about whether they have a service animal or ESA. On the other hand, property owners must ensure that their policies allow for the possibility of animal therapy in Bothell.
What's Next for Bothell Residents?
The bottom line: understanding the nuances between service animals, emotional support animals, and pets can lead to better living arrangements. It also allows you to create policies that promote equality and inclusivity.
At PMI Equitas, we can help Bothell landlords make their property pet friendly. In addition to raising the number of applicants, this strategy helps make your tenants happier, making life better for everyone.
We also offer a Results Guarantee: until we produce results, you don't pay us anything! Contact us here to learn more about our services!
