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Keeping pets in an apartment?

I live in an apartment where we cannot have pets. I got a doctors note saying I needed them for emotional pet therapy and I was still denied having them. How can I legally fight this? I live in New york state. Please help me, those rats really do help with my emotional status. I lived in these same apartments a few years ago with my parents, and back then I was allowed to have caged animals. When I moved in I thought it would be the same way, until we signed the lease.

Public Comments

1. you signed a lease. That is a contract that you agreed to. If you don't like it, move.
2. If you have a medical reason I believe that you should talk to the landlord about breaking the lease because he is unwilling to accommodate your medical needs. Then move somewhere that allows pets. I recommend a dog over rats.
3. I could get a doctor to say that I needed my horse for emotional pet therapy... Do you think I should be able to force my landlord to allow me to keep my horse in the apartment?
4. This has become a complicated issue under the ADA as "emotional support" animals have become more common. Generally you have the right to reasonable accommodation for an emotional support animal IF you are disabled under the statute. The doctor's note is not enough. I would recommend working with the landlord to see if a compromise can be reached before you even consider legal action.