Can a landlord charge you pet fee for a service dog?
In the United States, landlords cannot charge tenants with service animals extra pet fees. This is protected under the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including those who rely on service animals for assistance.
Service animals are not considered pets under the law. They are trained to help individuals with disabilities perform tasks or provide emotional support. Therefore, landlords cannot treat them as regular pets and impose additional fees or restrictions.
If you have a service dog and your landlord tries to charge you a pet fee, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act. This includes waiving pet fees and allowing your service animal to live with you in your rental unit.
FAQs about pet fees for service animals:
1. Can a landlord require a pet deposit for a service animal?
No, landlords cannot require tenants with service animals to pay a pet deposit. Service animals are not considered pets, and therefore, exempt from pet-related fees or deposits.
2. Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone with a service dog?
No, landlords cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities who rely on service animals. It is illegal to deny housing or charge additional fees to tenants with service animals.
3. Can a landlord ask for proof that a service dog is legitimate?
Landlords can ask for documentation that verifies the individual’s disability and the need for a service animal. However, they cannot request specific details about the person’s disability or demand to see the animal perform tasks.
4. Can a landlord impose weight or breed restrictions on service animals?
No, landlords cannot enforce weight or breed restrictions on service animals. They must allow individuals with disabilities to live with their service animals regardless of their size, breed, or type.
5. Can a landlord charge a monthly pet rent for a service animal?
No, landlords cannot charge monthly pet rent for service animals. Since service animals are not considered pets, they are exempt from any additional fees related to pet ownership.
6. Can a landlord refuse to make accommodations for a service animal?
Landlords are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and their service animals. Refusing to make accommodations could result in legal consequences.
7. Can a landlord evict a tenant for having a service animal?
No, landlords cannot evict tenants for having a service animal. Doing so would be considered discrimination against individuals with disabilities, which is prohibited under the Fair Housing Act.
8. Can a landlord require liability insurance for a service animal?
While landlords can request tenants with service animals to have liability insurance, they cannot make it a requirement for accommodating a service animal. Charging additional fees for insurance may be considered discriminatory.
9. Can a landlord refuse to renew a lease because of a service animal?
It is illegal for landlords to refuse to renew a lease based on a tenant’s use of a service animal. This action would violate the Fair Housing Act and could result in legal repercussions.
10. Can a landlord ask a tenant to remove a service animal from the property?
Landlords cannot ask tenants to remove their service animals from the property, as this would interfere with the individual’s right to reasonable accommodations. It is essential for landlords to respect tenants’ rights under the law.
11. Can a landlord charge a cleaning fee for a service animal?
No, landlords cannot charge cleaning fees specifically for service animals. Service animals are expected to be well-groomed and trained, and tenants are responsible for any damages caused by their service animals.
12. Can a landlord require a ‘no-pets’ policy for service animals?
Landlords cannot enforce ‘no-pet’ policies when it comes to service animals. Service animals are protected under the Fair Housing Act and must be accommodated regardless of any existing pet policies in place.