limits the definition of a
service animal to “a dog or
a miniature horse.” The bill
also explicitly excludes
“emotional support animals”
(sometimes called “companion animals”) from the
definition of a service animal: “The crime-deterrent
effect of an animal’s presence and the provision of
emotional support, wellbeing, comfort, or companionship do not constitute
work or tasks for purposes
of this definition.”There are
also allowances for owners
to remove destructive animals and penalties for false
claims that a pet is a service
animal. The Florida Apartment Association supports
the bill.
Expert Pest &
Wildlife Solutions
for the Front Range
In a very different climate, North Dakota’s Legislature is also considering
a bill dealing with service animals at multifamily rental properties. HB 1191 gives
additional rights to property owners who have a no-pets policy. The bill would allow
the owner to require reliable supporting documentation from the resident or potential
resident asserting the need for an accommodation for a service animal. A physician or
medical professional would qualify as a source.
The supporting documentation would also need to describe both the individual’s
disability and the relationship between that disability and the need for a reasonable
accommodation. It is unclear how this particular language can be enforced, in light of
a property owner’s limited latitude to inquire about a resident’s disability. The bill has
already passed from the House and awaits further debate in the Senate.
Source: Florida House of Representatives, North Dakota Legislative Council
CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL TOUGHENS AFFORDABLE
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT STANDARD
The Chicago City Council has approved amendments to the Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO) that will increase costs for developers by raising the in-lieu
fee structure and requiring a percentage of mandated affordable units be built. The
Chicagoland Apartment Association (CAA) worked in coalition with other real estate
groups to propose changes intended to minimize the new ARO’s negative impact.
While only minor concessions were granted, the city did indicate a willingness to
continue discussing concerns. Currently, the ARO applies to residential projects with
10 or more units that seek rezoning, buy city land, or receive city financial assistance.
Projects seeking rezoning have a 10 percent ARO requirement (inclusionary units or
in-lieu fees), while projects that receive city financi