Can a landlord evict you for having a therapy dog?

As a therapy dog owner, you may wonder if your landlord has the right to evict you for having a therapy dog in your rental property. The answer to this question is not always cut and dry, as it depends on various factors such as your location, your lease agreement, and the specific laws in your area.

**The short answer is that in most cases, a landlord cannot evict you for having a therapy dog. Therapy dogs are not considered pets, but rather animals that provide emotional support and assistance to individuals with disabilities. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, including allowing them to have therapy animals.**

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if your landlord has a strict no-pet policy in place, they may be able to evict you for having a therapy dog. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with your lease agreement and local laws to understand your rights as a therapy dog owner.

FAQs about therapy dogs and landlords

1. Can a landlord charge extra fees for having a therapy dog?

Landlords are not allowed to charge extra fees for having a therapy dog, as it is considered a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act.

2. What should I do if my landlord tries to evict me for having a therapy dog?

If your landlord tries to evict you for having a therapy dog, you should seek legal advice and inform them of your rights as a therapy dog owner under the Fair Housing Act.

3. Do I need to provide documentation for my therapy dog?

While it is not required by law, having documentation from a licensed healthcare professional can help establish your need for a therapy dog to your landlord.

4. Can a landlord evict me if my therapy dog causes damage to the property?

If your therapy dog causes damage to the property, your landlord may have the right to evict you or require you to pay for the damages. It’s essential to maintain proper care and control of your therapy dog to prevent any property damage.

5. Can a landlord deny my request for a therapy dog if they have a no-pet policy?

If your landlord has a no-pet policy, they may still be required to make an exception for your therapy dog under the Fair Housing Act. It’s best to communicate with your landlord and provide any necessary documentation to support your request.

6. Can a landlord ask about my disability when requesting a therapy dog?

No, landlords are not allowed to ask about your disability when requesting a therapy dog as it violates your privacy rights under the Fair Housing Act. You may need to provide documentation from a healthcare professional to support your need for a therapy dog.

7. Can a landlord prohibit me from having a therapy dog in certain areas of the property?

Landlords are generally not allowed to prohibit you from having a therapy dog in certain areas of the property, as long as your therapy dog is not causing any disruptions or damage. It’s essential to respect the rules and regulations set by your landlord while having a therapy dog.

8. Can a landlord restrict the breed or size of my therapy dog?

Landlords are not allowed to restrict the breed or size of your therapy dog, as long as your therapy dog is well-behaved and does not pose a threat to others. It’s essential to provide proper training and socialization for your therapy dog to ensure they are well-behaved in all situations.

9. Can a landlord require me to have liability insurance for my therapy dog?

While landlords may request liability insurance for pets, they are generally not allowed to require you to have liability insurance for your therapy dog, as it is considered a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act.

10. Can a landlord enter my rental property without notice if I have a therapy dog?

Landlords are still required to provide notice before entering your rental property, even if you have a therapy dog. It’s essential to maintain open communication with your landlord and respect their right to enter the property for necessary reasons.

11. Can a landlord refuse to renew my lease if I have a therapy dog?

Landlords are generally not allowed to refuse to renew your lease if you have a therapy dog, as it is considered a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. It’s essential to understand your rights and communicate effectively with your landlord to avoid any misunderstandings.

12. Can a landlord discriminate against me for having a therapy dog?

Landlords are prohibited from discriminating against tenants with disabilities, including those who have therapy dogs. If you feel that you are being discriminated against, you should seek legal advice and take appropriate action to protect your rights as a therapy dog owner.

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