Cal. Civ. Code § 22-9-7-12
Misrepresentation of animal as an emotional support animal; Class A infraction
Operative Text
Sec. 12. This section applies to an individual described in section 9 of this chapter who has a disability that is not readily apparent, and the health service provider who verifies the individual's disability status and need for an emotional support animal. An individual who submits a request to maintain an emotional support animal in a dwelling, or a health service provider who verifies the individual's need for an emotional support animal, and: (1) misrepresents to a person who offers to rent or otherwise make available a dwelling that the individual is an individual with a disability or has a disability related need that requires the use of an emotional support animal in a dwelling; (2) makes a materially false statement to the individual's health service provider to obtain documentation to substantiate the individual's need for an emotional support animal in a dwelling; (3) provides a document to a person who offers to rent or otherwise make available a dwelling that misrepresents that the animal is an emotional support animal; (4) fits an animal that is not an emotional support animal with a harness, collar, vest, or sign that would cause a reasonable person to believe the animal is an emotional support animal; or (5) in the case of a health service provider: (A) verifies an individual's disability status and need for an emotional support animal without adequate professional knowledge of the individual's condition to provide a reliable verification; or (B) charges a fee for providing a written verification for an individual's disability status and need for an emotional support animal, and provides no other service to the individual; commits a Class A infraction.
Indiana Code § 22-9-7-12 makes it a Class A infraction to misrepresent an animal as an emotional support animal (ESA) or to fraudulently obtain ESA documentation. The rule covers both individuals seeking to keep an ESA in a dwelling and the health service providers who verify their need, targeting conduct such as submitting false statements, using misleading gear on an animal, or providing verification without adequate professional knowledge of the person's condition. Health service providers are also prohibited from charging a fee solely for written ESA verification when no other service is rendered to the individual.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ind. Code § 22-9-7-12, Indiana law provides landlords with a legal framework that addresses fraudulent ESA requests. Compliant operators generally document the verification they receive, remain aware that the law penalizes tenants and health service providers—not landlords—for submitting false ESA claims, and understand that a Class A infraction can be pursued against those who misrepresent an animal's status. Knowing this provision exists can inform how operators evaluate ESA accommodation requests and what recourse the state makes available when fraud is suspected.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ind. Code § 22-9-7-12 establishes that tenants who genuinely need an emotional support animal are protected by law, while those who misrepresent a disability or an animal's ESA status risk being charged with a Class A infraction. Tenants with non-apparent disabilities should ensure that any documentation they submit is accurate and obtained from a health service provider who has adequate professional knowledge of their condition, since the law specifically targets false or misleading verification. Individuals who have questions about their rights or obligations under this provision may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Indiana housing and disability law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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