Did you know that 61.7% of households in Tennessee own a pet? This figure represents a mix of traditional pets, and so-called service animals, each serving unique roles in our lives.
For landlords and pet owners alike, understanding the difference between service animals, emotional support animals, and pets is crucial. Knowing these distinctions can help you navigate tenancy issues more effectively, and you can accommodate renters better too. So read on to determine the differences between the three.
Understanding Service Animals
Service animals, which are primarily trained dogs, are specifically tasked with assisting individuals with disabilities. These animals are taught to perform specific tasks for their owners, such as guiding visually impaired individuals or alerting hard-of-hearing people to sounds.
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only dogs are recognized as service animals, and they must be trained to take specific actions that assist individuals with disabilities.
In Nashville and throughout the United States, service animals are granted unique rights, including access to public spaces where pets typically aren't allowed. Landlords must be aware that they cannot deny housing to individuals with service animals, nor can they impose breed or size restrictions on them. This legal protection is essential for providing adequate support and accommodations for those who rely on these animals.
Emotional Support Animals and Their Role
Unlike service animals, emotional support animals (ESAs) do not require specialized training to perform specific tasks. Instead, these animals provide companionship, which helps alleviate symptoms of emotional distress or mental health issues. This might include conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
While any animal can be classified as an emotional support animal, it's crucial for the landlord to understand the relevant documentation and guidelines:
- Emotional support animals require a letter from a mental health professional to be recognized
- Landlords may request this documentation to validate the need for the ESA
- ESAs do not have the same level of access as service animals; they may not be allowed in all public spaces
- Landlords are generally required to treat ESA owners as tenants with disabilities
The Differences With Pets
Pets include all types of domesticated animals and have no specific training or requirements. They contribute to a household simply through their companionship and have no legal protections akin to service animals or emotional support animals. As a landlord, it's essential to recognize that pets do not have the same accommodations as service animals or ESAs.
In Nashville, local ordinances may also play a role in determining your pet policy on your rental property. Most pet policies will cover aspects such as breed restrictions, weight limits, and pet deposits. Understanding these distinctions helps in effectively managing properties and ensuring compliance.
Know the Differences
Recognizing the differences between service animals, emotional support animals, and pets is essential for landlords in Nashville, TN. Knowing how to accommodate tenants' needs appropriately can pave the way for a more harmonious living environment. Essential to supporting prospective and existing tenants is understanding each of their circumstances.
As a leading provider of full-service property management in the Nashville, Tennessee area, we specialize in creating tenant-friendly policies that respect the laws governing service and emotional support animals, as well as pets in rental homes, while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Contact PMI Music City for a free rental analysis now.
