No, a landlord cannot evict you for having companion animals in most cases. Having a companion animal is considered a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act for individuals with disabilities. Landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations to allow tenants with disabilities to enjoy their dwelling, which includes allowing companion animals.
FAQs about Having Companion Animals and Landlord Policies
1. Can a landlord charge extra fees for a companion animal?
In most cases, a landlord cannot charge extra fees for a companion animal as it is considered a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
2. Are there any limitations on the types of companion animals allowed by landlords?
Landlords generally cannot restrict the types of companion animals allowed as long as they serve a documented purpose for the tenant’s disability.
3. Can a tenant be evicted for having a companion animal that creates disturbances?
A tenant can potentially be evicted if their companion animal creates disturbances that disrupt other tenants or violate the terms of their lease agreement.
4. Can a landlord deny a tenant’s request for a companion animal?
Landlords are required to consider reasonable accommodation requests for companion animals from tenants with disabilities under the Fair Housing Act. Denying such requests without proper justification can lead to legal consequences.
5. Do landlords have to verify the disability of a tenant requesting a companion animal?
Landlords are not allowed to inquire about the specific nature of a tenant’s disability, but they can request documentation from a healthcare provider confirming the need for a companion animal as a reasonable accommodation.
6. Can a landlord refuse a companion animal based on breed restrictions?
Landlords cannot deny a companion animal based on breed restrictions as it may violate the Fair Housing Act. Instead, they should focus on the specific behaviors of the individual animal.
7. Can a landlord require a tenant to obtain insurance for their companion animal?
Landlords are generally not allowed to require tenants to obtain insurance for their companion animal as it may create additional financial burdens for individuals with disabilities.
8. Can a tenant have multiple companion animals in a rental property?
A tenant may be allowed to have multiple companion animals if they can provide documentation from a healthcare provider demonstrating the need for each animal as a reasonable accommodation.
9. Can a landlord include a “no pets” policy in their lease agreement?
While landlords can include a “no pets” policy in their lease agreement, they must make exceptions for companion animals as a reasonable accommodation for tenants with disabilities.
10. Can a landlord remove a tenant’s companion animal if they violate the lease agreement?
A landlord may have the right to remove a tenant’s companion animal if they violate the terms of the lease agreement, but they must follow proper legal procedures to do so.
11. Can a tenant with a companion animal be charged a higher security deposit?
Charging a tenant with a companion animal a higher security deposit may be considered discriminatory under the Fair Housing Act as it disproportionately affects individuals with disabilities.
12. Can a landlord evict a tenant for getting a companion animal after moving in?
If a tenant with a disability acquires a companion animal after moving in, landlords are still required to consider it as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act and cannot evict the tenant solely for this reason.