Visiting dog.

[lakewoodlife]

Greetings all! I have lived in an 117 suite high rise apartment building since November of last year 2005. I am on very good terms with the landlord...ie....paying rent on time and living a quiet life without causing any problems. Here is my question: When I signed my lease I was told that I was not allowed to have any dogs living with me or ANY dogs visiting me. Which is fine because don't have any dogs of my own. However, I do have one friend who is a veternarian that trains ADA or Service Dogs for people with disabilites. She visited me for the first time this week and brought her dog for social training. The dog is a very quiet, well trained cocker spaniel. She doesn't bark and or cause a nuisance of any kind and only stayed for about five hours. This is the only dog that I would allow in my home because she is not a problem and it is for a good cause. My landlord saw the dog sitting next to my friend on the balcony. The landlord called and left me a voice message to inform me that under not circumstances is a dog allowed on the property. I thought that because she was a "service dog in training" and not just any dog that it would be ok. I haven't spoken to my landlord about this yet. I don't know if I have any recourse?? I need advice. Any and all would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

[ohiolandlord]

You may want to explain the situation to the landlord in writing.

[newrenter]

Here is something that may help in your attempt to explain to the landlord. I hope it helps.

Ohio Law
Revised Code Section 955.43

This statute generally gives a person with a disability the right to have a service dog accompany that person in all places "to which the general public is invited." The statute is written specifically to cover people who are blind, deaf or mobility impaired, and only refers to dogs, not service animals in general. The dog must either be serving as, or be in training to be, a guide, leader, listener, or support dog. The owner must have proof that the dog has been or is being trained as a service dog.

If these criteria are met, then the person, accompanied by the dog, is entitled to full and equal access, advantages, facilities, and privileges of all public accommodations, includes educational institutions, as would any other member of the public, with only the following limits:

1. The dog cannot occupy a seat in any public conveyance;
2. The dog must be on a leash in any common carrier;
3. If the dog is in training, the agency training the dog must have an insurance policy protecting the public from injury.

A person accompanied by a service dog cannot be charged extra for having the dog.