Pets vs ESA vs Service Animals

As a property manager for over 20 years this has been a common questions/confusion among many landlords. Is this a Pet? What is an ESA? What's the difference between an ESA and Service Animal? Due to COVID the requests for ESA animals has increased and making sure that you properly handle and accommodate for these requests is very important. 
Here are 12 Important things you should know!
1.) HUD confirms that landlords cannot impose breed/weight restrictions, or charge fees and deposits. 
2.) Landlords should respond to ESA requests promptly, at least within 10 days
3.) Landlords can not require healthcare professionals to use specific forms
4.) Landlords cannot request sensitive details about the tenant's condition
5.) ESA requests can be made orally or in writing
6.) Tenants can make an ESA request before or after acquiring their ESA
7.) Dogs, cats, small birds, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, other rodents, fish and turtles can be ESA's
8.) Landlords must engage in interactive dialogue with tenants about the ESA request. 
9.) HOA's and Co-Op's are subject to the ESA rules
10.) Tenants can use the help of a third party to care for their ESA's
11.) Registrations and Licenses are NOT legitimate ways to qualify an ESA 
12.) ESA letters CAN be from online health professionals

If all this seems like STRESS in managing your rentals, call Peak Property Management 303-974-5477 and let us help you!