HUD Offers Guidance to Sniff Out Fake Assistance Animal Requests

On Tuesday, HUD issued new guidelines for landlords and property managers on service animals. Reliable verification of the tenant’s need for an assistance animal can be required and documents other than an online certification can be required.

According to Realtor Magazine, “A person with a disability may require the assistance of an animal to help do work, perform tasks, or provide therapeutic emotional support. The requested accommodation must be met if it affects that person’s major life activity and serves as a reasonable request. HUD’s new guidance offers housing providers step-by-step practices for complying with the Fair Housing Act when such requests are made. It includes guidance on assessing accommodating requests and information needed from the applicant about their disability-related need for the accommodation.”

Here is a link to the full article as HUD Statement