Q: Is a landlord allowed to enter the property unannounced and "count pets/dogs?" I have 2 service dogs.
My management company just came by unannounced and opened the door while I was asleep. I woke up cause the dogs were barking. I said to hold on I have to put the dogs away. "Can I see the dogs?" We just moved in they currently think "oh new place we need to protect it" if someone comes inside. I told him you can meet 1 outside and 1 inside, but I'm not letting the big dog out unless outside. He barks and it scares people because he's big and puts his fur up when he's scared. "I need to count your pets." I release my small dog and she barks at him and then he tries to pet her. (Both of my dogs are service dogs; however they act like dogs when they dont have their vests on in the house. This does not mean they dont provide tasks without their vests though). Big dog barks, I said "do you hear 1?" I have 2. My problem is they didn't go next door and check her number of pets and they were just here 2 days ago for a scheduled inspection. Both dogs have been approved based on diff tasks
A: It may depend on what your lease says, but typically unannounced entry is limited to emergency situations and this certainly would not be one. I'm assuming your lease does not allow dogs, or limits them in some way? If so, you will need to be able to articulate why you need two service dogs and typically one has to do a different task from the other and the task must be something that you need help with because of a disability. For example, if a dog's task is picking up objects from the floor, you have to have a physical problem that makes it difficult or impossible to pick things up from the floor. If the task it to alert you to someone at the door, you have to have a hearing or other disability where you need this help. You will probably need to sit down with the landlord and discuss your need for two service dogs.
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