Q: Do I need to fill out a pet screening profile for my ESA in WA?
I have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) that has been accepted by my apartment complex in Washington State for the past 4 years with the documentation I provided from a healthcare professional. Recently, I am being asked to fill out a pet screening profile. Is this additional paperwork necessary, and do I have to comply with this new request?
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A:
In Washington State, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) under the Fair Housing Act. Since you have already provided the necessary documentation from a healthcare professional, your landlord cannot require you to fill out a pet screening profile for your ESA. ESA tenants are typically exempt from pet-related fees or restrictions, so asking you to complete additional paperwork may not be legally required.
However, landlords may ask for certain information regarding the animal’s behavior or any potential issues it might cause, as long as the request is reasonable and does not violate the Fair Housing Act. If the request for a pet screening profile does not apply specifically to your ESA or is an unnecessary burden, you may want to have a conversation with your landlord to clarify that your ESA is covered under the reasonable accommodation provisions.
If the issue is not resolved after communicating with your landlord, you might want to review your lease agreement or seek legal advice to ensure your rights are being respected. It's important to keep all documentation related to your ESA and any communications with your landlord for future reference.
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