In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) 2010 Revised Requirements, and State law, Management 1 Tri-Cities Realty & Property Management seeks to accommodate persons with disabilities who require the assistance of a Qualified Service Animal. Prospective tenants may request the use of a service animal in the home to assist them in performing daily life tasks. While M1TC does not seek to inquire as to the nature of anyone’s disability, M1TC requires a health care professional’s statement that the tenant is a person with a disability and will be assisted by a service animal. Qualified Service Animals must comply with state and local animal licensing laws, but are not subject to additional fees or deposits. Qualified Service Animals are exempted from the spay/neuter and breed restrictions. Please note, however, “companion” or “therapy” animals are still considered “pets”, and are therefore not entitled to the same rights and privileges as a Qualified Service Animal.

Definitions:

A Qualified Service Animal is defined as “any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.” Provided that an animal meets this definition, especially in regard to the nature of the animal’s training and the tasks performed, the animal is considered to be a service animal regardless of whether it has been licensed or certified by a state or local government.

A “companion” or “therapy” animal is an animal whose role is to provide companionship, affection, security, a calming influence, or otherwise function as part of a regimen of psychological treatment. A companion or therapy animal does not meet the definition of “service animal” unless it assists an individual with a disability by performing specific tasks associated with the activities of daily living.

A tenant who requires a service animal must submit a letter from his or her health care professional stating the individual is a person with a disability and will be assisted by a service animal. The statement must include:

  • Affirmation of a need for the service animal.
  • A description of the specific task(s) to be performed by the service animal.
  • Health Care Professional’s Name, Signature, and Authority (MD, PhD, MSW, etc).

For a copy of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) 2010 Revised Requirements for Service Animals, click here.
For more information, or questions, about a Qualified Service Animal, CONTACT US here.

Facebooktwitteryoutube