Service Animals (pet deposit, pet rent, service pet)

[Lexi]

State-MO

We received a letter from a tenant today, in response to a letter we sent. It is regarding a cat. The letter stated that his son was autistic and that the cat has been trained to work with the kid. I never have heard of anyone who had a cat which was used as a service animal. We are going to ask for a letter from the dr. We have a pet deposit of $500 and pet rent of $20 per month. Is the tenant subject to the deposit and pet rent if the pet is used as a service pet?

Lexi

[msg]

Normally not --in my state-- if it is medically ordered. You could check with Dept of Housing in MO as well.

But of course they are still liable if any damage is caused while they rent.

You certainly can demand proof of the "service animal" status.

A simple google search would provide you with the proof that you need that there are, indeed, service cats for autistic people, and people with Asperger's Syndrome.

There is no specific law in Missouri's Landlord/Tenant guide that addresses whether or not a tenant is subject to pet rent and pet S.D.

I think the poster meant whether THAT specific cat is indeed a service animal.

A doctor could order any animal to be part of therapy.

[Grhowe]

Unless there is a statute to the contrary then a pet is a pet is a pet and by any other name it is still a pet. You may charge the pet deposit if there is a pet in the house unless there is a statute to the contrary. I do not know of any.

A service animal is specially trained to help a disabled person in some way. For this, there should be some proof of the training and a written letter from a doctor describing the need for and the help this animal provides. Require this documentation. Simply tell the tenant you will be happy to accommodate anything under the ADA if given this documentation. If provided, the animal does not require pet deposits or rent under the ADA rules. If none are provided, or the letter states this is a therapy animal, charge the deposit.

Originally Posted by Unregistered I think the poster meant whether THAT specific cat is indeed a service animal. A doctor could order any animal to be part of therapy.

If you re-read the OP's post, you'll see that he/she said A cat, not THE PARTICULAR CAT in question.

[pgl116]

Laws in most states require a landlord to allow pets that are for the service of people with special needs, However I do not know of any wording in the law that denies them the right to charge fees associated with the keeping of a pet as long as it is practice(meaning that you don't have another tenant with a pet in the same building that you are not charging a fee)

Originally Posted by Unregistered If you re-read the OP's post, you'll see that he/she said A cat, not THE PARTICULAR CAT in question.

[and that the cat has been trained to work with the kid]



Read again

The OP stated in his/her original post that he/she had never heard tell of A cat being trained for service. A, meaning ANY cat. Instead of continuing to tell others to re-read, perhaps you should take your own advice.