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Who Comforts the Comfort Animal?

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Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Select

When I post a rental house, I put I will accept one medium size dog and I like to meet the dog beforehand. The last set of tenants, three friends that moved in together had a dog and two "comfort" animals.

In Tulsa, a landlord is not allowed to collect a deposit for a "comfort animal" and is not allowed to refuse one, or two in this case..... It states, however, that the tenant is still responsible to make sure the dog doesn't damage the house.

When I did the final walkthrough two days ago, the tenants said that the carpet had been shampooed but the house had a strong animal odor and there were several visible pet stains near the front door.

When I tried to show the house a couple of weeks ago, it smelled and was very messy. The tenants were busy with finals or work or something and the house was not show ready even though I gave them notice that I would be showing it. After that, I waited until they were completely moved out.

My question is, if there are three people in the same house, can't they have the same comfort animal, do they need three dogs? They clearly left the dogs all day and didn't take them out to relieve themselves and/or the dogs are just not trained. I feel like the tenants had no business keeping dogs that they let run around the house neglected all day.

I'm just beginning to think this comfort animal thing is just a complete racket and I would like the rules to change back to something more reasonable for the landlords.

 

 

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Comments(5)

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Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX
Semi Retired Real Estate Agent

Sorry, I never had to deal with tenants. But others I know that did always had regrets and felt manipulated and taken advantage of by their tenants. 

I know this is of no comfort to you, but in 2006 I worked as a Paralegal for a Law Firm. About 90% of our cases were because of Landlord/Tenant disputes and the judge voted in favor of the tenants in all cases. 

It may be hard to lick your wounds. I hope someone else can give you some good advice. 

Jun 03, 2025 08:55 AM
Peter Tamura

Hi Patricia,

Thanks for your comment. Yeah, forcing a landlord to accept three dogs is abuse. If I turn them down I'm discriminating because I'm not allowing the tenant to have their comfort animal. It's just common sense out the window. I hope not to have to stand in front of a judge vs a tenant, not optimistic there. 😐

Jun 03, 2025 11:51 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Peter,
I believe people have taken advantage of the "comfort animal" regulations. It all makes me glad that I am retired and no longer have to deal with that as a property manager.

Jun 03, 2025 09:52 AM
Peter Tamura
Coldwell Banker Select - Tulsa, OK
BANNOCHIE TEAM

Hi Carol,

Yeah, remember when people were bringing comfort animals onto planes that were snakes and goats, just ridiculous! I love most of my tenants but I don't really like the process of finding new tenants because of having to play detective and seeing if applicants are telling the truth.

Jun 03, 2025 11:54 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Peter - the comfort animal situation is a confusing one.  

Jun 04, 2025 03:58 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks for sharing this eye-opening perspective, Peter Tamura. I appreciate your honesty and the thoughtful questions you raise about comfort animals. It's a complex issue that definitely needs clearer guidelines. 🐶 Your insights remind us how important it is to find a fair balance between compassion and responsibility in the rental world.

Jun 04, 2025 08:11 AM