I was sent a copy of an ESA letter today via book of faces. It doesn't look real to me. Has no address...Is signed by an MD not a psych professional. Pretty generic name "Meridian Health Services" It's not even a formal application to rent. just and inquiry. I said I could take an animal with proper paperwork. She sent this letter right over. I didn't call her out on it. She hasn't even applied and could be turned down for numerous other reasons. How would you handle the questionable documentation if it become a real part of an application to rent.

My guess is it was a cut and paste job off a computer. Legitimate businesses have addresses, phone numbers, and medical information with a medical professionals license.

Lucy,

I would look up the doctor and office to determine authenticity. If you want to pursue, maybe even visit their office to ask if the signature is real.

Yes, an ESA letter can come from any medical professional. Doctors (their staff) pass them out like lollipops or Spiderman bandaids.

The LMN - Letter of Medical Necessity from a medical professional, under 365 days old, is the ONLY proof of legitimacy.

The ones I have seen are very vague -"A support animal for Mary might help her.."

Our local Fair Housing director is agreeable to review any documentation. She is also frustrated by fakers.

Document carefully.

Me? I'm nervous about a person who cannot face life without a cat, or duck, or fur baby. How will they handle stress to keep their job and pay their rent?

If flying on a plane is too traumatizing to do it without your ESA chicken, consider the train or bus.

BRAD

BRAD

Lucy,

I would look up the doctor and office to determine authenticity. If you want to pursue, maybe even visit their office to ask if the signature is real.

Yes, an ESA letter can come from any medical professional. Doctors (their staff) pass them out like lollipops or Spiderman bandaids.

The LMN - Letter of Medical Necessity from a medical professional, under 365 days old, is the ONLY proof of legitimacy.

The ones I have seen are very vague -"A support animal for Mary might help her.."

Our local Fair Housing director is agreeable to review any documentation. She is also frustrated by fakers.

Document carefully.

Me? I'm nervous about a person who cannot face life without a cat, or duck, or fur baby. How will they handle stress to keep their job and pay their rent?

If flying on a plane is too traumatizing to do it without your ESA chicken, consider the train or bus.

BRAD

BRAD

I Googled it they seem to be a resource to find dockters possibly 3rd party referral service.

any local licensed professionals can sign a esa paper. But does sound fishy should have a letter head with address phone number and possibly license number.

I have a FB profile for my property manager alter ego.

According to Indiana ESA law, the letter from a health service provider must verify the person's disability (if not apparent) and need for an ESA.

If the document is proven fake, isn't that fraud?

Is there any law/s about fraud?

Just remembered...our local Fair Housing director says the letter must be from a medical professional WITH A HISTORY OF TREATING THAT PATIENT - to avoid the online docs.

Lucy, Gotta mention we get VERY FEW ESA inquiries after I added the line to our app

Note: Misrepresenting a service animal is fraud, punishable by up to $5000 fine and possible jail time.

I just "caught" a good applicant abusing ESA. Said they have 2 ESA dogs. I send "Send documents". He said "Well one is ESA the other is in training so I guess we have to pay for that dog."

I said again "Provide docs". He sent a pic of a card from some online registry, not even the name of the registry on the card.

I said "There is no such thing as a "registry" for support animals other than those online "registry" scams to take your $29.95 in exchange for a card and maybe sell you a red vest."

He said "I'll keep looking for docs." Which tells me he does nto have any.

I said "Let's get your lease signed and paid. When you find the proper docs we can refund any fees for that animal."

He said "OK".

Sure he tried to slip in the second dog but he honestly believes the first dog is truly legit.

So...I get $1900 Non-Refundable Rent Lock Fee plus $1900 rent BECAUSE I worked it out rather than denying.

Does FB or phone tell the poster or caller their attempt to communicate has been blocked?

I fear blocking could fall under DENIAL without documentation.

I agree with screening for cooperation and attitude, but we need proof.