I suffer of depression and got a dog its going to be a year almost that I got him , Getting a dog was such a therapy for me but now since the lease said no pets they want me to get rid of him IN 10 DAYS! what can be done to avoid this situation of having to get rid of him from happening? We plan on moving but in the end of February but because we have section 8 its not that easy to move. Please HELP this dog is my companion and my therapy.

Is your depression diagnosed? If it is, your situation might fall under the ADA. Have you tried talking to the landlord telling him the situation and why you have the dog? Did you have the dog upon moving in and signing the lease or get the dog after you signed lease and they just now found out?

Here is what I found on HUD's website... you might try contacting them.

Quote:

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your landlord may not:

Refuse to let you make reasonable modifications to your dwelling or common use areas, at your expense, if necessary for the disabled person to use the housing. (Where reasonable, the landlord may permit changes only if you agree to restore the property to its original condition when you move.)

Refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services if necessary for the disabled person to use the housing.

Example: A building with a "no pets" policy must allow a visually impaired tenant to keep a guide dog.

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Fair Housing -- It's Your Right - HUD

Hello x:

If the lease said you can't have a dog, then you are in violation. I know it makes you feel good. There are lots of things that make me feel good that I can't do in my house.

If you don't get rid of the dog, they WILL evict you.

excon

Xceleste, call your doctor see if he will give you a letter stating that it is for your mental well being to have a dog. If you became wheel chair bound Would they become required to give you proper access into your home, or if you need the dog to turn on your lights, to alert you of an oncoming seizure, etc... Hopefully the same applys with this dog. Don't just give up your dog.

If you got the dog KNOWING that there was a "No Pets" policy, YOU are in violation of your lease, and I can't blame the landlord for wanting you to get rid of the dog. Pets can really wreak havok on a rental unit, especially since there are people with allergies, the cost of turning that unit over for the next person sometimes more than DOUBLES because you have a pet.

You're moving in February. Is there a place where the dog can stay for 4 months? A friend, a family member--someplace in the same town where you can visit the dog often?

I also have to say that it also bothers me that you live in Section 8 housing, which is generally for people who can not afford housing on their own, so is subsidized by taxpayers. Yet---you have a dog. Dogs are EXPENSIVE! If the only way you can afford that dog is for my taxpayer money to subsidize your housing--well, that's not very fair, now is it?

While I realize that you see the dog as therapy--there are other forms of therapy out there. If the therapy is just being around an animal, maybe you could volunteer at the animal shelter!

Right To Emotional Support Animals In "No Pet" Housing xceleste read this you may find it helpful.