Q: Are American Bull dogs banded in Miami Dade? If so, can they still be use as an emotional support dog? Tks.

A: Pet insurance covers a pet’s veterinary bills just like health insurance covers people’s medical needs. Your tenant needs renters insurance to cover liability and/medical bills caused by a dog. Every landlord should require good tenants carry renters insurance. In rare cases a landlord might be found liable for injuries caused by a tenant’s dog. However, generalized fears or bias against dogs in general or certain breeds is not grounds for denying a reasonable accommodation request for a emotional support animal which is protected under federal law (Fair Housing Act). Also a “no pet” policy cannot exclude an emotional support animal nor can a landlord charge a pet damage deposit or pet rent.

A: Pet insurance covers a pet’s veterinary bills just like health insurance covers people’s medical needs. Your tenant needs renters insurance to cover liability and/medical bills caused by a dog. Every landlord should require his tenants carry renters insurance. In rare cases a landlord might be found liable for injuries caused by a tenant’s dog. However, generalized fears or bias against dogs in general or certain breeds is not grounds for denying a reasonable accommodation request for a emotional support animal which is protected under federal law (Fair Housing Act). Also a “no pet” policy cannot exclude an emotional support animal nor can a landlord charge a pet damage deposit or pet rent.