Research it.  ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) trumps everyone...with someone like that, even landlords cannot discriminate against the breed, the size, or the fact that they say they do not rent to animals.

It is never up to anyone to determine if they really need the animals help. PTSD, or seizures is a disability that is not obvious that a dog can detect before it happens.

CONDO's that do not rent to pets must allow a service animal...I say animal because it does not have to be a dog...it can be any animal, including a pig.

This is why service animals are allowed on buses, airplanes,(for FREE) offices,stores, resturants and anywhere else the handicapped person needs to go.

I would hate to be the seller that discriminates against a emotionally challanged person...the fair housing lawsuit would be no different than if they did not allow the color of someone's skin, religion, kids or sexual preference.

And if indeed, someone is so alergic that a dog in their house for a few minutes would be determental to their health and it went to court, common sense dictates that they would have to prove it.

Eve

well, you can't force a seller to show their home....and since this is a health issue, that trumps discrimination....

I would start by seeing if you could figure out a way to cure the blindness, because until then, even with out the pet alergy issue, they still wouldn't be able to VIEW the home.  Sorry, but I didn't have a good legal answer to this important question, so I diffused it with my attempt at humor.  Subscribing to learn more.  Thanks!

I think you are required to show it to that class of buyer however I would want to know why a blind person wants to see a listing Lynnea Miller 

Be careful how you answer this question, you may find yourself in violation with HUD.  

Tell the seller to leave and show it.

The service dog is guiding the buyer, not moving in. Open the windows, tour the property and get it sold.

    I want a written opinion from my attorney (one with deep pockets and malpractice insurance), or I may even refer it out. 

    I don't say that lightly; this is the kind of situation that can end up in court, or complaints filed against you and the Seller with the Feds over ADA violations.

    BTW, I sold a house to a blind couple (husband and wife).  That was 15 or so years ago, there was no dog.  We are friends to this day.

Lynnea - I would tend to agree with what Debbie Reynolds had to say, and ask both parties if we could try and figure out a way to satisfy each of their needs.

You need to know the rules.

I would absolutely allow the showing - I would not want the ADA after my seller!  However, I would let the buyer with the service dog know that the seller is highly allergic to dogs and hopefully they will WANT to work something out to have someone stay with their dog outside of the home. I can't imagine that they wouldn't do that.  

Communication is key and understanding ADA laws is important to those sellers!

It got me thinking in 31 years of real estate i have never had this happen. I did sell a home to a woman with a blind daughter, who did walk through the home when we were in our search. She felt, she smelled and her senses were amazing how she described what she liked. 

I would pull a copy of the law and read it very carefully. I would also explain it to the blind buyer and see if he had any suggestions.

I would request that the buyer have a family member preview the property for the buyer.

The blind buyer is not likely to View the home, but their dog may be able to.

As far as the ada goes, there are some protections for owners who have allergies in multifamily units where the landlord lives in one unit, this may also extend here.  Would have to go back and look this up to be sure.

This was always a very unfair act, poorly written and heavy handed, I expect it will likely get squashed now that we have a landlord in the White house.

I see.... the buyer want to 'view' the home? Really? I guess that's a rhetorical question. Seller is king - first and foremost. The buyer-agent can be the service 'dog' and help the blind person around - its a much better alternative since the dog can't describe the features, amenities....

I am having trouble with a blind buyer...What do they "look" for ?

I think Corinne Guest, Managing Broker has a good response. Perhaps, as Lyn Sims suggests, a short time by the dog in the home if the buyer does not want to bring a friend would be OK with the seller.

This might just be a property that this buyer doesn't "see." It is private property, afterall, and you can't force a seller to open his/her doors especially in a situation where the buyer's visit can cause harm to the home owner. Maybe the buyer needs a human companion to come along and lead them through the home in a case like this.

I would actually think that it would be ok for the seller. I am extremely allergic to some dogs & as long as the dog doesn't spend an extreme amount of time in the home they should be ok. Dog cannot sleep over 

Corinne Guest, Managing Broker and Barbara Todaro have 2 excellent answers.

I wrote about a showing where someone brought a dog into my listing, and pooped in one of the bedrooms.   I think even if it is a service dog someone should get approval first. 

As Mike & Eve Alexander wrote; Spot on!

This is honestly not something I have thought about or ever dealt with so I think this Q&A has been one of the best I've read to date.  -Kasey

I think Corinne Guest, Managing Broker nailed this one. I've never had anything even remotely like this come up. 

Could one of the agents lead the buyer around instead of the dog, who could wait outside?

Wow, I would think you have to show the home or be in trouble with the gov't

That is an easy one...they cannot be discriminated. Service dogs are allowed everywhere, even inside restaurants. 

The question should be how many blind buyers will you encounter touring a property?

A blind prospect will not be doing much viewing.

I would ask permission of the seller, if they say no, I would ask the buyer if I could lead him by the hand.

Ok it with the listing agent and the seller and we're good to go - service animals are quite different and I'm not talking about these stupid service animals that make their owners "feel better" about themselves sheesh!

Mike and Eve have this one covered well. 

parked and reading....

This is a non-issue.

Entitlement groups have entitlement attorneys willing to press their cause.

Why? Because they ALWAYS win, even when not judicated by a judge.

To think there is an option is to crate false hope and then the 'someone to blame' reflex puts the agent in the cross-hairs.

let them in

I can't add anything that has been said here. I'd do some research and then guide my seller accordingly.

I would advice the seller to allow 

I think Corinne Guest, Managing Broker offered an excellent solution. I do not think, it should be objections from either side. 

Lynnea Miller - now I have to check what others have responded to this Q - Liked Corinne Guest, Managing Broker's answer.

Personally, if this issue came up I'd explain the seller's medical concerns to the buyer's agent and probably get a lawyer involved when taking the listing.  I'm not sure ADA or anti-discrimination would trump "right to life" in this case, dispite what Mike & Eve Alexander wrote (which I agree with for the most part).  I think this house would definitely be one of those appointment with agent listings with no keybox to make sure dogs did not get in.

Lynnea,

I brought that up in my answer to William.  A blind buyer should be allowed to bring the dog.   I am sure seller can relate, even if it takes bringing in a cleaning crew. A

The sellers wishes still come into play.

This is a great add on quesstion.

I did ask a trusted stty friend and he said because it is not a public place, the rules most likely would not apply for access.

It's a violation of the law to prohibit a blind person from touring the home with a seeing-eye dog. Serious question: why would a blind person even bother touring a home?

Well, nothing can trump (can we still use that word these days without the risk of cross-fire?) Mike & Eve Alexander responses.  

A blind person can't view anything. i would leave dog in car, and lead blind person and describe what i'm seeing.

What a great question.  You received some great answers, I have nothing to add.

This is a great question and after reading the responses, I think Eve of Mike & Eve Alexander has made some really good points. 

see if the seller will make an exception. Health vs want to sell?

That is shaky territory for sure the LAW says YOU CAN'T deny access to a service or support animal PERIOD.

I've never experienced this situation however I think if I had a seller that had an extreme allergy I might put a Note about that in the MLS description and hope that might give both parties the opportunity to simply be respectful and considerate of each other.