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Beautiful landscapes and Southern charm make Columbia a popular tourist destination. But is your vacation home ready for any guest, including some four-legged friends?
Some Columbia, SC visitors will want to bring along an emotional support animal.
Property owners must consider the legal questions and logistics of accepting animals into their property. This article will explain everything you need about vacation properties and emotional support animals.
What Is an Emotional Support Animal?
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are pets with a special purpose.
They provide comfort and companionship to humans with emotional or psychological needs. You may find them beneficial for people with anxiety disorder, depression, or PTSD.
These animals aren't the same as service animals (like guide dogs for the visually impaired). They don't come with advanced training for specific tasks such as road safety.
Yet, like service animals, they do confer specific legal protections. That includes housing and travel laws.
Emotional Support Animals in Columbia, SC: The Law
In Columbia, emotional support animals enjoy some legal protections. For example, under the Fair Housing Act, you can have an emotional support animal in a "no pets" property.
To qualify, you'll need proof you need an ESA. That is a certificate or letter from a licensed medical health professional. Once you show this to a landlord, it grants you the right to have your ESA in your property for your full rental period.
What About Vacation Properties?
The Fair Housing Act is most relevant to long-term rentals. Vacation rentals, particularly those on home-sharing platforms, don't always fall under this law. Hotels are also not covered by regulations governing emotional support animals.
If you own a short-term rental, you can specify whether you accept emotional support animals at your property.
It's worth remembering that advertising your rental as animal-friendly will make it more attractive to potential vacation renters.
Risks and Issues When Accepting Emotional Support Animals
If you have a vacation rental, accepting emotional support animals will make your property more attractive. However, take the time to think about some of the risks and issues too.
You have a higher chance of damage to furniture on the property or complaints from neighbors about noise. And you may have problems with future guests and allergies.
How to Prepare a Property for an Emotional Support Animal
Make your environment safe and welcoming for an ESA and its owner. Remove toxic plants and lock away dangerous chemicals. Check all wires and cables and ensure they are secure and out of the way.
Add fencing to your outdoor space. Provide adequate space, including a sleeping area. Invest in robust and durable furnishings and keep decor to a minimum.
Make a habit of checking the paperwork for an ESA animal to ensure you only accept legitimate ones.
Traveling With Support Animals
The increasing popularity of emotional support animals means you are more likely to see a request from a tenant. You must know the difference between the legal obligations of a long-term landlord and an owner of a vacation rental.
Explore our property management services here for more advice and support on tenants' rights for your Columbia, SC, vacation rental.
