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Am I Required To Give An Esa Access To Common Areas Of A Duplex?

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Location: Wisconsin

This is an owner occupied duplex (and my only property). There is a back door and stairway that is the only access to my apartment, it also has access to the tenant's apartment and the basement laundry. The tenants have a separate front door as well.

Do I have to allow an ESA access to the back stairs and the back yard?

Background info: I was attacked by a large dog in early October, my small dog was killed in the attack. This was an extremely traumatic event and I am not comfortable sharing my home with a large dog. The tenants know what happened. I have since adopted another small dog. I will not be able to use the only entrance to my home if there could be a large dog blocking my access at any time.

In late October the tenants said they were adopting a dog. The lease requires approval first, but apparently they had already put down a deposit. At that time they agreed on a 25-30 pound weight limit and that they would be caught up on rent before getting the dog.

On Sunday I received a legitimate letter from a therapist saying they need an ESA, and the tenants said they are buying a large breed puppy.

Wisconsin does not recognize Ms. Murphy exemptions, so I cannot do anything to prevent this. To be clear, I have no problem with them having a dog, it's a large dog that is the concern. The state ordinance only says an ESA can be denied if the specific animal causes harm, and I don't think me having panic attacks when confronted by a "large dog" is specific enough. At the same time, do I need to permit access to common areas including the back yard?

Edit to add, I would be asking the same thing if I didn't live here and it was another tenant who was attacked by a large dog.

submitted by /u/TimelyTadpole3398
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