Are you struggling to find good tenants for your Rockville property? If so, one reason for that may be the lack of a good pet policy.
For example, pet laws in Rockville state that you must accommodate service animals. But what about emotional support animals or common pets? And how do these three types of animals differ from each other in the first place?
If you're struggling with these concepts, you've come to the right place. Read on to learn more about your responsibilities as a landlord regarding these animals!
Understanding Service Animals in Rockville
Service animals are specially trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. This can range from guiding visually impaired individuals to alerting those who are hearing impaired.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Maryland law recognizes only dogs as bona fide service animals. This exclusivity allows these trained animals to accompany their owners almost anywhere, including:
- Schools
- Businesses
- Other public places
However, service animals must demonstrate advanced training to perform specific tasks related to the owner's disability.
Support vs. Service Animals
Unlike service animals, emotional support animals (ESAs) don't need specialized training. They provide comfort and emotional support in Rockville. The ESA group includes both dogs and other animals, like cats or rabbits.
While they don't have the same rights as service animals, ESAs play a key role in their owner's mental health. For many, having an ESA can relieve stress and anxiety and may even help battle depression.
According to support animal housing laws, you're legally required to consider reasonable accommodation requests for ESAs. That said, this usually requires documentation from a qualified mental health professional.
Pets: Unofficial but Valuable Companions
While they can provide companionship, joy, and love, pets aren't legally recognized in the context of disability support. In Rockville, having a pet often means adhering to specific pet policies, such as:
- Size limits
- Breed restrictions
- Additional pet deposits
Allowing pets on your property comes with pros and cons. Making this decision will depend on the specifics of your property and your investment goals.
Key Differences
As you can see, these three types of animals are subject to different accommodation rules. Here's a short list of key differences:
- Service Animals:
- Trained to assist individuals with disabilities
- Legally recognized under the ADA
- Only dogs are acknowledged as service animals
- Emotional Support Animals (ESAs):
- Provide comfort but do not require specialized training
- Do not have the same access rights as service animals
- Can be any species, including dogs, cats, and other animals
- Pets:
- Companions without legal protections regarding access
- Subject to specific pet policies of landlords
- Cannot be used for support under the ADA
Tailored Solutions in Rockville, MD
Navigating the laws surrounding service animals, emotional support animals, and pets in Rockville can feel overwhelming. Still, understanding these concepts is fundamental to ensuring that you offer the best service possible.
At PMI Potomac, we can create the ideal pet policy for your Rockville rental! In our experience, real estate investments become more valuable if you allow tenants to bring pets. We'll ensure these animals aren't a risk to your property!
If you're not happy with our services, you can cancel our property management agreement with no penalties. Contact us here to learn more!
