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Landlord giving me a hard time about getting a service animal?
I am wondering what the laws are concerning service animals in Massachusetts.
I have PTSD and a Panic disorder, and my therapist has suggested that getting a service dog could really help me. The apartments that I live in are owned by a very disrespectful slumlord, and they have a "no pet" policy. I already know that service animals are exempt from this policy, but i'd like to know a few more things.
1- Can my slumlord charge me a pet deposit? I was under the impression that service animals were exempt from that as well, but i'm not sure about it and Google hasn't been too helpful.
2- He is trying to make me pay $500 for "damages that might occur." I read somewhere that he can only charge for damages after they've occurred, again specifically for service animals. Can he legally make me pay this?
3- Can he legally evict me for anything related to the animal? For example the dog "barking too much" etc?
Please only respond if you really know about this, and please provide links if you're referencing laws. He wants proof of the laws and like I said, I can't find much on Google.
To the moron who said PTSD & Panic disorders don't make you disabled, CLEARLY you know nothing about this, and have never known anyone suffering from these disorders. I have had an "attack" and ended up 3+ miles from my house with no memory on how I got there *multiple* times. If I had a dog trained to follow me, i'd at least feel safer on the way back. When I am panicking, having a dog there for emotional support would be an invaluable resource. I have PTSD from years of abuse and abandonment. Having a dog that will never abuse or abandon me is a very important step towards learning to trust others (in my therapist's words)
Like I said. Please only respond if you really know about this kind of thing.
5 Answers
- angelharp7Lv 68 years agoFavorite Answer
Your case looks like it would fall under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Their website is at http://www.ada.gov/
My husband even suggested that you MIGHT qualify for benefits to get better housing (he is a non-profit CPA) Anyway, here is the link to contact ADA: http://www.ada.gov/contact_drs.htm They can probably answer your questions in an authoritative manner.
They or your doctor/therapist might also put you in contact with attorneys who handle cases of this nature.
- LandlordLv 78 years ago
If you are disabled and you obtain a service dog you will not be charged a deposit. It takes about 2 years to train a service dog and no dog with behavior issues will make it thru the program. But yes you can be evicted for issues with the dog. The landlord is only required to be "reasonable" because you are disabled.
If you are not disabled or this is an "emotional support animal" your landlord is not effected can refuse the dog charge a deposit, etc.
- J CLv 78 years ago
Ask your therapist for the names of organizations that would supply you with a service dog. Contact them and they will be able to help you out. I can tell you that you will need to get a dog who is trained and certified, not one that you pick out from the local shelter. Once you are pointed in the right direction with the legitimate groups, you will know what your rights are under the law. People still don't understand the seeing eye dogs (I have two friends who are puppy raisers) let alone the "newer" types of service dogs out there.
- Star_of_DarknessLv 78 years ago
You dont' need a service dog. PTSD and panic attacks do not make you disabled at all and a doctor can't write you a magic note to say you can have a service dog when you don't need one
Your LL has every right to evict you for getting a dog, more so since you don't need one. A service dog is for those who are actauly disabled. By law a service dogs to DO things you can't. A service dog can't do anything for some one who has PSTD and panic issues.
The LL has told you no pet so you can' have one and you can't have a service dog.
