State Specific Question About: INDIANA (IN)

We are getting ready to accept on-line applications. While reviewing our application for updates, we were wondering if we would be running afoul of the fair housing laws if we ask the questions on our on-line application --

1) Do you have any animals?

2) Is the animal required because of a disability?

3) What work of task has the animal been trained to perform?

We pretty sure you cannot ask the questions when you meet in person and they have an obvious disability, but on-line you cannot see the applicant.

What do others do with their on-line applications in regard to service animals?

Do you have any pets? If yes, what is it?

That's it. Don't even risk it.

I would only ask " Do you have or plan to get any animals?"

NOT "pets"

If yes, send them the standard animal form to fill out with description, vet's info, proof of licensure, etc.

Leave it up to them if they want to claim it as a SA or ESA.

I plan to do this also. What process are you using to do the apps online?

Google docs, or something else? Will you be able to/want to accept the app fee online also?

Annie,

Animals not pets.

Mine says

LIST ALL ANIMALS ______

IMPORTANT INFO WE SHOULD KNOW________

On the advice of my Fair Housing director we do not teach them nor encourage them to provide ESA information.

If they do not tell us up front we can deny based on incomplete or lying on the application.

#1 Do you...they will lie and say NO. Then show up with “new” animals they got after completing the app.

#2 Is the animal for disability? You just told them how to qualify for ESA and now you are stuck.

Tip: your online app must match your paper app.

I do what Brad and DJ do. From my online app:

**************

Do you have or will you be getting any animals (includes dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, etc) *

___ Yes

___ No

If yes to animal(s), please list each animal by type, breed, and weight.

**************

Keep it simple and broad enough to include all scenarios at the time of application.

If an animal "shows up" later, there are ways to deal with that which go beyond the scope of the application and this thread.

Thanks for all the input.

DJ - we are using BUILDIUM. We have been implementing in stages on that platform. First collecting rents, tenant portal, etc.

Now we want to be able to take all apps on line. We don't have WORD, so we are still trying to figure out just what we can use to have them fill it out on line. We can also take the app fee and do the screening through BUILDIUM.

Ultimately, all leases will be signed on-line.

Annie, I use jotform for the application. Just cut and paste, easy, free...