HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE – IF YOU SUFFER A CASUALTY, YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS NEW LAW

Posted: Aug 30, 2019
By: Admin SFPMA
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HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE – IF YOU SUFFER A CASUALTY, YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS NEW LAW

A good reason why society provides for prevailing party attorney fees and costs is to make a potential plaintiff think twice before filing a lawsuit. Imagine being able to sue your adversary in court without worry that if you lose you will NOT have to pay prevailing party attorney fees and costs to the other side. Such a situation could lead to an avalanche of lawsuits, and that is exactly what happened when Florida laws permitted contractors holding an “assignment of benefits” in their favor, who were unhappy with the award from the insurance company, to sue the insurance company with nothing to lose but to pay for their own attorney. Simply put, an assignment of benefits is an agreement transferring a homeowner’s insurance benefits to a contractor who may then file a claim against the homeowner’s insurance policy without the involvement of the homeowner. Notwithstanding the assignment of benefits, the homeowner is still responsible to pay the insurance premium and deductible. If the contractor then makes a claim against the insurance policy and is unhappy with the insurance proceeds received, the contractor can sue the insurance company with no threat of having to pay prevailing party attorney fees if the contractor lost its lawsuit against the insurance company. Without the fear of a prevailing party attorney fees award, these types of lawsuits became very prevalent. Insurers claim that this led to ever increasing insurance premiums. Not anymore!

Due to the passage of House Bill 7065 (“HB 7065”), officially taking effect on July 1, 2019, consumers may begin to notice a decrease in their insurance premiums as HB 7065 creates liability for the contractor for attorney fees and costs based upon the difference between the amount recovered and the amount offered during settlement negotiations as compared to the disputed amount. When HB 7065 takes effect, if the contractor holding the assignment of benefits sues and the difference between the judgment obtained by the contractor and the presuit settlement offer by the insurer is less than 25% of the disputed amount, the insurer is entitled to an award of reasonable attorney fees. On the other hand, if the difference between the judgment obtained by the contractor and the presuit settlement offer by the insurer is at least 50% of the disputed amount, the contractor is entitled to an award of reasonable attorney fees. Finally, if the difference between the judgment obtained by the contractor and the presuit settlement offer by the insurer at least 25%, but less than 50%, of the disputed amount, no party is entitled to an award of attorney fees.

Insurers claim that the old system resulted in abuse of property insurance claims, as contractors were inflating repair costs and essentially operating without significant financial risk during insurance litigation, thus allowing contractors to assert numerous claims in hopes that one would stick. As a result, insurance companies were left bearing the costs of these lengthy litigation’s, and thus, sought to recover their litigation expenses through the consumer – the homeowner – by increasing insurance premiums. While a homeowner is still able to enjoy the benefits of the one-way attorney fee privilege, this right is no longer transferable to the contractors through assignment of benefits. Clearly, this is a drastic change that will affect contractors around the entire State.

If you have any questions regarding the impact of this new law, please discuss them with your association’s attorney.

With hurricane season approaching, in the event you experience a casualty, before signing an assignment of benefits in favor of the contractor who shows up, often uninvited, not only do you need to read the fine print, but it is strongly suggested you have an attorney review the assignment of benefits contract first.

http://rembaumsassociationroundup.com/2019/06/19/hurricane-season-is-here-if-you-suffer-a-casualty-you-need-to-know-about-this-new-law/

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: https://kbrlegal.com/

Legal Sponsors of SFPMA with offices in Pompano Beach, Palm Beach and Tampa Florida.

EMERGENCY POWERS

HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONS

720.316 Association emergency powers.—

(1) To the extent allowed by law, unless specifically prohibited by the declaration or other recorded governing documents, and consistent with s. 617.0830, the board of directors, in response to damage caused by an event for which a state of emergency is declared pursuant to s. 252.36 in the area encompassed by the association, may exercise the following powers:

(a) Conduct board or membership meetings after notice of the meetings and board decisions is provided in as practicable a manner as possible, including via publication, radio, United States mail, the Internet, public service announcements, conspicuous posting on the association property, or any other means the board deems appropriate under the circumstances.

(b) Cancel and reschedule an association meeting.

(c) Designate assistant officers who are not directors. If the executive officer is incapacitated or unavailable, the assistant officer has the same authority during the state of emergency as the executive officer he or she assists.

(d) Relocate the association’s principal office or designate an alternative principal office.

(e) Enter into agreements with counties and municipalities to assist counties and municipalities with debris removal.

(f) Implement a disaster plan before or immediately following the event for which a state of emergency is declared, which may include, but is not limited to, turning on or shutting off elevators; electricity; water, sewer, or security systems; or air conditioners for association buildings.

(g) Based upon the advice of emergency management officials or upon the advice of licensed professionals retained by the board, determine any portion of the association property unavailable for entry or occupancy by owners or their family members, tenants, guests, agents, or invitees to protect their health, safety, or welfare.

(h) Based upon the advice of emergency management officials or upon the advice of licensed professionals retained by the board, determine whether the association property can be safely inhabited or occupied. However, such determination is not conclusive as to any determination of habitability pursuant to the declaration.

(i) Mitigate further damage, including taking action to contract for the removal of debris and to prevent or mitigate the spread of fungus, including mold or mildew, by removing and disposing of wet drywall, insulation, carpet, cabinetry, or other fixtures on or within the association property.

(j) Notwithstanding a provision to the contrary, and regardless of whether such authority does not specifically appear in the declaration or other recorded governing documents, levy special assessments without a vote of the owners.

(k) Without owners’ approval, borrow money and pledge association assets as collateral to fund emergency repairs and carry out the duties of the association if operating funds are insufficient. This paragraph does not limit the general authority of the association to borrow money, subject to such restrictions contained in the declaration or other recorded governing documents.

(2) The authority granted under subsection (1) is limited to that time reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the association and the parcel owners and their family members, tenants, guests, agents, or invitees, and to mitigate further damage and make emergency repairs.

History.—s. 19, ch. 2014-133.

EMERGENCY POWERS

CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS

718.1265 Association emergency powers.—

(1) To the extent allowed by law and unless specifically prohibited by the declaration of condominium, the articles, or the bylaws of an association, and consistent with the provisions of s. 617.0830, the board of administration, in response to damage caused by an event for which a state of emergency is declared pursuant to s. 252.36 in the locale in which the condominium is located, may, but is not required to, exercise the following powers:

(a) Conduct board meetings and membership meetings with notice given as is practicable. Such notice may be given in any practicable manner, including publication, radio, United States mail, the Internet, public service announcements, and conspicuous posting on the condominium property or any other means the board deems reasonable under the circumstances. Notice of board decisions may be communicated as provided in this paragraph.

(b) Cancel and reschedule any association meeting.

(c) Name as assistant officers persons who are not directors, which assistant officers shall have the same authority as the executive officers to whom they are assistants during the state of emergency to accommodate the incapacity or unavailability of any officer of the association.

(d) Relocate the association’s principal office or designate alternative principal offices.

(e) Enter into agreements with local counties and municipalities to assist counties and municipalities with debris removal.

(f) Implement a disaster plan before or immediately following the event for which a state of emergency is declared which may include, but is not limited to, shutting down or off elevators; electricity; water, sewer, or security systems; or air conditioners.

(g) Based upon advice of emergency management officials or upon the advice of licensed professionals retained by the board, determine any portion of the condominium property unavailable for entry or occupancy by unit owners, family members, tenants, guests, agents, or invitees to protect the health, safety, or welfare of such persons.

(h) Require the evacuation of the condominium property in the event of a mandatory evacuation order in the locale in which the condominium is located. Should any unit owner or other occupant of a condominium fail or refuse to evacuate the condominium property where the board has required evacuation, the association shall be immune from liability or injury to persons or property arising from such failure or refusal.

(i) Based upon advice of emergency management officials or upon the advice of licensed professionals retained by the board, determine whether the condominium property can be safely inhabited or occupied. However, such determination is not conclusive as to any determination of habitability pursuant to the declaration.

(j) Mitigate further damage, including taking action to contract for the removal of debris and to prevent or mitigate the spread of fungus, including, but not limited to, mold or mildew, by removing and disposing of wet drywall, insulation, carpet, cabinetry, or other fixtures on or within the condominium property, even if the unit owner is obligated by the declaration or law to insure or replace those fixtures and to remove personal property from a unit.

(k) Contract, on behalf of any unit owner or owners, for items or services for which the owners are otherwise individually responsible, but which are necessary to prevent further damage to the condominium property. In such event, the unit owner or owners on whose behalf the board has contracted are responsible for reimbursing the association for the actual costs of the items or services, and the association may use its lien authority provided by s. 718.116to enforce collection of the charges. Without limitation, such items or services may include the drying of units, the boarding of broken windows or doors, and the replacement of damaged air conditioners or air handlers to provide climate control in the units or other portions of the property.

(l) Regardless of any provision to the contrary and even if such authority does not specifically appear in the declaration of condominium, articles, or bylaws of the association, levy special assessments without a vote of the owners.

(m) Without unit owners’ approval, borrow money and pledge association assets as collateral to fund emergency repairs and carry out the duties of the association when operating funds are insufficient. This paragraph does not limit the general authority of the association to borrow money, subject to such restrictions as are contained in the declaration of condominium, articles, or bylaws of the association.

(2) The special powers authorized under subsection (1) shall be limited to that time reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the association and the unit owners and the unit owners’ family members, tenants, guests, agents, or invitees and shall be reasonably necessary to mitigate further damage and make emergency repairs.

History.—s. 15, ch. 2008-28.

In the event of Damage to your Buildings and Filing a Claim:

Search our Members Directory and find companies ready help you!

Tags: Condo and HOA Laws, Member Highlights

Help Wanted: Some of our members are seeking Employees for their Companies!

Posted: Aug 28, 2019
By: Admin SFPMA
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Help Wanted

Positions available

Help Wanted: Some of our members are seeking Employees for their Companies!

Chuck’s Painting Inc.- Looking for Professional Painters

Job Description

Professional Painters Only
Requirements for this position are:
A minimum of 5 years experience in the painting industry
Your own hand tools
Your own transportation
Proof of legal working status
Active Florida drivers license
Must speak English
References if Available.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $31,200.00 to $40,000.00 /year

Application Questions That Will Be Asked:

Requested that candidates answer the following questions:

How many years of painting experience do you have?
Do you have the following license or certification: Driver’s License?
Do you speak English?
Are you authorized to work in the following country: United States?

Please send resume and answered questions to A1Chuckspainting@yahoo.com

Lighting of Tomorrow – Motivated team member to help us manage projects

Job Description

L.o.T. is looking for a motivated team member to help us manage projects.

If you or anyone you know might be interested

please email us your resume at info@lightingoftomorrow.com

840 E. Oakland Park Blvd #117 (4.80 mi)
Oakland Park, Florida 33334

(800) 538-4446

info@lightingoftomorrow.com

CJE SERVICES – is now hiring experienced Window Cleaners.

Job Description

CJE SERVICES is now hiring experienced Window Cleaners. Must have previous experience in Residential & Commercial.

Our team provides a Professional and Friendly work environment with competitive pay and opportunity for growth.

Pay rates depend on experience. If interested, DM, text or call
(561) 493-4609

Brothers Backflow Specialists

WE ARE LOOKING FOR LONG TERM EMPLOYEES AS OUR FAMILY CONTINUES TO GROW WE WANT YOU TO GROW WITH US!

Brothers Backflow Specialists, a family owned Plumbing & Gas contractor is seeking EXPERIENCED plumbers to work within Miami-Dade and Broward County.

Brothers Backflow Specialists offers a competitive salary.

OPENINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

2-BACKFLOW PREVENTER TECHNICIANS

Experienced in testing and repairs (with current and valid certification)

1- COMMERCIAL SERVICE PLUMBERS

Service plumber: Full time employment as well as should be ready and able to be on call for emergency services. – Requirements include a clean background, good driving record, passing a drug test and the ability to assess emergencies and take corrective actions. Additionally applicants should be hard working, highly motivated and have a neat and clean appearance, great customer skills and an overall great attitude. Must have their own basic plumbing tools, larger tools and equipment will be provided. Brothers Backflow Specialists takes pride in its exceptional customer service and requires the same from its staff and employees. Gas experience a plus.

Tags: Members Articles, SFPMA Social Media

Before You Dig Call Ronnie-G The Pipe Guy at PRS-Pipe Restoration Solutions Phone Number 561-602-8660

Posted: Jul 23, 2019
By: Admin SFPMA
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Before You Dig Call Ronnie-G The Pipe Guy at PRS-Pipe Restoration Solutions

Phone Number 561-602-8660

Our business philosophy is simple: We want to First, listen to your need. Second, identify the best solution and Third, deliver the highest quality end-result, all while giving you a great customer experience. PRS is a State of Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor that specializes in full pipe restoration. Whether it be sanitary sewer or storm, potable water, fire suppression or HVAC chiller lines, our goal is to provide solutions to the failing piping infrastructure utilizing the latest plumbing and trenchless technology available. We also carry a State of Florida Class “A” General Contractor’s license which sets us apart.

Members of SFPMA Take a look at our Membership Listing

Pipe Restoration Solutions

561-602-8660

Pipe Inspection, Pipe Cleaning, Pipe Lining and Pipe Replacement Company

When PRS looks at a project we want to ensure we are putting the “right” solution to the problem at hand. Every project has its unique needs based on overall job scope, site conditions, project timeframes and difficulty level. At Pipe Restoration Solutions, we have found that when high-quality material and creativity comes together something special happens… Projects are completed with excellence and above expectation; Long term relationships are built; Problems are permanently solved.

Tags: Building Maintenance, Management News, Member Highlights, Plumbing Articles

Ways to Help Your Property Manager

Posted: Jul 10, 2019
By: Admin SFPMA
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Ways You Can Help Your Property Manager

Property management companies can lend a helping hand for busy owners looking to make a profit out of their investment. Whether it’s collecting the rent or performing regular maintenance, property managers are always busy. Sometimes too busy to do everything on time. Luckily, with a little help from homeowners, property managers can do their job more efficiently, keeping your property in tip-top shape while allowing you to enjoy the extra time and money with those you love.

MAKE SURE YOUR PROPERTY IS READY TO RENT BEFORE YOU HAND IT OVER

Appearances are everything in the rental market. Handing over a clean, empty property that is ready to be leased will attract prospective tenants and show your property management company how you expect your house to be kept. On the other hand, if your house is a mess, you’re sending a message to prospective tenants and your management company that the maintenance of your investment isn’t a priority

DOUBLE-CHECK THAT EVERYTHING WORKS

Nothing wipes out the joy of moving into a new house only to find out that essential fixtures and appliances aren’t working. However, you can prevent problems from developing by making sure that everything is working before you hand your property over.

Light fixtures should be in good conditions and with working light bulbs. Bathroom and kitchen faucets should work and have no leaks. Fire alarms should have new batteries. Anything that doesn’t work or isn’t needed should be removed from the property, so as to avoid frustrating the tenants or overburdening the management company’s repair staff.

TAKE ALL OF YOUR PERSONAL ITEMS WITH YOU

Whether it’s by accident or on purpose, many property owners end up leaving personal objects in the property. This happens especially in places like the garage or the attic. This is can lead to trouble down the road.
Leaving personal items in a property encumbers everybody. When your new tenant moves into the home, they shouldn’t have to deal with items that don’t belong to them. You also risk having your personal items stolen or damaged. This also affects the property management company that is caught in the middle. Save yourself the hassle and make sure you remove all of your personal items before turning over your property.

GIVE YOUR WALLS A THOROUGH CLEANING

Tenants expect to be able to move in immediately, not having to scrub the floor and walls for hours. Your property may be old and have a few issues with its fixtures, but keeping it sparkling clean will make it more attractive for your future tenants. So make sure that there’s no dust or stains on the floor. If you have carpets get them cleaned by a professional.

GIVE YOUR WALLS A MAKEOVER

Your walls don’t have to be freshly painted, although it does help. But the better they look, the easier it’s going to be renting the house out. So make sure that you fill any hole, scrub the walls, or change the wallpaper if needed. Tenants can be picky when it comes to walls, especially if they are dirty or are painted with strange colors.

LEAVE ALL THE UTILITIES PAID

By visiting your house, prospects expect to get an idea what it will be like to live there. That’s why it’s important that there is running water so that the toilets and the sinks work. Leaving the electricity on is also a must since many tenants visit in the evening and need the extra lighting. Depending on the season, your AC or heating system will also be needed to keep your prospects comfortable.

FILL OUT AND RETURN ALL THE PROVIDED PAPERWORK

Every form and document we submit to the owners is necessary for our business activities. That’s why we have a rule of never marketing or leasing a property until the owner, or tenant, has delivered all the information and paperwork we have requested.

SHARE ALL THE INFORMATION YOU CAN WITH YOUR MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Where is your property’s electrical junction box? Does the house have a propane tank? Where is the water shut-off located? These are just some questions that you should answer when handing over your property. They will save you time and many phone calls from your property management company.

GIVE COPIES OF YOUR RULES TO YOUR PROPERTY MANAGERS

These will be passed on and explained to your tenants so they can comply with the neighborhood rules. No tenant can be held responsible for breaking a rule if he doesn’t know the regulations to begin with.

GIVE THEM YOUR FULL CONTACT INFORMATION

Perhaps the most obvious one, your company needs your full contact information. This includes your current address and phone number, to get a hold of you. The easier it is to talk to you, the quicker your property manager will be able to make repairs in your property or solve other issues that need your authorization.

SFPMA.COM

Tags: Condo and HOA, Condo and HOA Vacation and Rental Property, Landlord & Tenant Issues, Management News, SFPMA Social Media

July 2019 is our 5th Year Publishing the FLORIDA RISING MAGAZINE

Posted: Jul 04, 2019
By: Admin SFPMA
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July 2019 is our 5th Year Publishing the FLORIDA RISING MAGAZINE.

Over the years each edition has brought important issues to Florida’s Property Managmement, Condo and HOA Communities.
We wish to thank our industry and everyone involved over the years with their support.

It is our honor to meet so many great people and companies working in our industry and look forward to another 5 years.

published by: Effency Publishing for

SFPMA.COM

State of Florida Property Management Association

Tags: Florida Rising Magazine, Management News, SFPMA Social Media

Have your Storm Drains Cleaned is a must before the Storm Season brings it full force!

Posted: Jul 01, 2019
By: Admin SFPMA
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Have your Storm Drains Cleaned is a must before the Storm Season brings it full force!

Storm drains in Miami after several days of rain and it’s become apparent why they weren’t working properly. Check out all that debris, dirt and rocks

Brothers Backflow are members of sfpma – https://sfpma.com/listing/brothers-backflow-specialists/

BROTHERS BACKFLOW SPECIALISTS

Broward: Ph. 954.382.2099 | Dade: Ph. 305.267.3992

Brothers Backflow Specialists is state licensed and insured in the plumbing and gas industry. Our technicians specialize in plumbing, backflows, propane, natural gas, medical gas and water restoration including everything from installing gas lines, testing backflows and repairing broken plumbing pipes. We provide services for commercial, residential, industrial & farm properties from Monroe to West Palm Beach County as well as backflow services in Orlando, Florida. Brothers Backflow Specialists is here to serve you 24 hours a day / 7 days a week and no job is too big or too small.

Tags: Building Maintenance, Member Highlights, Members Articles, Plumbing Articles

Hurricane Preparedness

Posted: Jun 15, 2019
By: Admin SFPMA
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Hurricane Preparedness

Steps that should be taken for hurricane preparedness?

Keep informed – Read the Hurricane Help page

SFPMA.COM / State of Florida Property Management Association, Be Safe.

Most things are usually on hand but should be stocked up and easily accessible. If it turns out the hurricane has changed its path, at least you will have known you were ready.
If your city or town is in imminent danger of a hurricane, most likely evacuation announcements have been made, and should be taken seriously. Here is a checklist to consider before you leave:

First, get important papers and special photos in order and secured in plastic. Identification is difficult and time-consuming to replace: so be sure to include social security cards, birth certificates, high school diplomas or GED certificates, titles or deeds to property, as well as your hurricane insurance policy. Photos of special occasions or loved ones cannot be replaced, so including these is important as well.

Think ahead and take video or photos of your property before you leave. This will help later on with any insurance checklist claims for damage that may need to be filed.
If staying with relatives is not an option, consider booking a room in a hotel or motel in another nearby town or state. Make sure to get directions and put them in the car ahead of time. It is easy to forget that piece of paper in the rush out the door. A cheaper route might be to find temporary hurricane shelters. Usually nearby towns not in the direct path of the hurricane will provide these for people in need.
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that your pet will have a place in a motel or hotel. Keep this in mind, and try to find alternate housing like pet-friendly hotels and motels or dog boarding kennels in areas out of the path of the storm until it is safe to return home.

Designate a spot, in the hall closet, to keep a bag of clothes for each person in the household. Make sure to include sleeping gear if you plan on going to a temporary shelter.
Along with overnight clothes, consider stocking your Hurricane Kit with the following: extra cash, generator, batteries, flash lights, battery operated radio/television, bottled water, toilet paper, non-perishable foods such as cereal or crackers, canned goods, a can opener, a small cooler, candles, prescription medicines and any over-the-counter remedies you use regularly; and if you have small children – diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food.

7. Count on the power being out for at least a day or two. Remember that ATM’s will benon-operating, so have at least some hard cash in your Hurricane Kit (see no. 6, above) to see you through the storm.

When TV and computer games no longer operate, board games or a deck of cards come in handy! Arts and crafts, crayons and downloadable coloring pages are always great distractions for the kids – so make sure you’ve stored some of these supplies in a tote bag or in the car trunk.

8. If you decide to tough out the storm, stay downwind in your home. This means if the wind is hitting the living room windows, go to the room opposite the living room.

9. Plywood is a ‘hot’ commodity for those of who decide to stay. Boarding up windows that will take the brunt of the wind and rain is a wise decision. If board is not available, protect your windows from the wind by criss-crossing them with layers of duct or packing tape. This will be enough protection for light-to-medium winds, but learning how to build and install plywood hurricane shutters is your safest bet. If you can afford it, have them installed by a professional.

10. Finally, STAY INSIDE. However tempting it may be to videotape or take photos of the storm, be sure to shoot from indoors – where it’s safe, and dry!

Hurricanes are serious business. Weather forecasters can only predict so much. Educate yourself and stay on top of hurricane updates in your area. There is no harm in being overly cautious. In most cases where a hurricane is concerned, it truly is better to be safe than sorry.

Tags: Building Maintenance, Business Articles, Management News, SFPMA Social Media

HUD to Strengthen Landlords’ Rights in Service Animal

Posted: Jun 15, 2019
By: Admin SFPMA
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HUD to Strengthen Landlords’ Rights with Service Animals

Landlords and property managers are entitled to “reliable verification” of a tenant’s need for a service animal and can require proof beyond an online certification, a Department of Housing and Urban Development official said Tuesday at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C.

Lynn Grosso, director of HUD’s Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Enforcement Office, told the Land Use, Property Rights & Environment Committee that a predatory cottage industry has developed for assistance animal certifications. Consumers are being misled to believe that an online verification letter—often provided by unlicensed medical professionals at a cost of a few hundred dollars—guarantees them the right to have an animal in multifamily housing regardless of pet policy, she added.

“HUD does not recognize these pay-to-play certifications as reliable,” Grosso said. “You should not feel held hostage by a policy where tenants don’t have to demonstrate in a reliable manner a legitimate need for the assistance of an animal.”

Grosso said HUD is developing new guidance that will address for the first time what “reliable verification” means as it pertains to tenants’ service animal requests. It’s not clear when the guidance, which is currently under federal review, will be released.

But Grosso offered some clarity to the committee Tuesday on the substance of the guidance. While landlords and property managers are legally prohibited from inquiring about the nature or severity of a tenant’s disability, they can express concern about the reliability of a service animal certification letter and provide steps for the tenant to take for further verification. This may include asking the tenant to provide additional documentation from their medical provider. The most reliable form of verification is a letter from a medical provider who has a history of treating the tenant, and the letter should name the tenant’s disability and the animal most qualified to assist him or her, Grosso said. “It’s best to have a policy on this issue rather than doing it on an ad hoc basis,” she added.

However, if you can “readily observe” that a tenant has a disability and an animal that provides a service, it’s wise not to push the issue of additional verification, Grosso said. She added that HUD’s forthcoming guidance also will address exotic animals such as alligators and the number of animals each individual tenant can request in their unit.

It’s important not to trivialize the issue of service animals because of abuses of the law, Grosso said. “Very often, there is some nefarious attribution to people who request assistance animals,” she said. “But many times, there are people with significant disabilities who legitimately need the assistance of a service animal. They bear the burden of the effects of service animal abuses.”

Tags: Landlord & Tenant Issues, Management News, SFPMA Social Media

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