About your “no pets” rule

There’s always that dude at the real estate meetup.

Cargo shorts.

Bluetooth earpiece.

Smells like he owns 6 units and a deep fryer.

One recently leaned back, took a deep breath, and blessed the room with:

“If your lease says no pets, they can’t bring an Emotional Support Animal.”

Then smirks like he just dunked on the Supreme Court.

Half the room nods.

The other half starts rewriting their leases in blood.

But here's the thing:

Emotional Support Animals aren't pets.

So...

A 'no pets' policy doesn't keep out ESAs.

They’re disability accommodations.

Yeah, you can ask for paperwork. But if it checks out? They’re in. Full stop.

One call to our lawyers would’ve flagged this in 30 10 seconds.

Instead, Chad just convinced a room of landlords to break federal law.

Way to go, Chad.

By Landlord Legal

That's issue #159 of The Brief.

Told a landlord this week that “no pets” don’t mean squat for ESAs — broke his heart clean in half.

He’d just heard the opposite from some schmuck at a real estate investor meetup last week. Next time, better chat with us before Chad ruins your life.

DISCLAIMER: Heads up - none of this is legal advice. We share stories and laughs about legal stuff for Landlords.  Do your own homework and stay safe out there!