3 ESAs but risking eviction
I did something stupid. My husband and I just moved into a building I lived in years ago. I had a cat while I lived here before and never had a problem, but I don't know if the landlord knew about it. I haven't had any issues with pets in apartments ever. So of course when it came time to sign the lease I marked NO pets, since my 3 animals are ESAs, and didn't think of it anymore.
Well, the super came in to fix something recently and saw 1 cat (out of 2 cats and a dog) and got pissed and told me he was going to report us, which he did. I got an ESA letter for each of the animals in the meantime.
An hour after I got the ESA letter, they emailed me. I sent them a note for 2 of the animals because from what I've read, they would probably not accept the 3rd. They didn't believe me that these are real ESAs because the letter was dated the same day. After an intense phone call, they agreed to send me an email with what I need to fill out.
They have a lot of requirements. For example, the animal needs to be registered as an ESA with the state. I've never heard of that. Also need rugs all over the floor. And--this part annoys me--you have to sign a "pet" agreement about your responsibilities with a pet and how you have to pay extra security deposit even though they're NOT pets.
I told my husband I think we should move out, but he doesn't want to move again since we just moved (and it costs thousands of dollars). I told him we can't hide the 2nd cat and we need to send it to a family member, but he (and my friends) say that the landlord will never find out about the 3rd cat if we never let the landlord in again.
I told my husband there's a very real possibility that we get evicted, and if we get taken to court it will be a big problem trying to find an apartment. He's suoer confident I'm just freaking out and everything will be OK. My best friend and the guy who lived here before that (who is an old acquaintance) both say the same thing as my husband.
I don't know what to do. I want to know things are fine, but I don't think there's an easy solution here. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Otherwise, thanks for listening.