Can My Landlord Deny Me a Service Dog

Landlords are not allowed to deny having a service dog in the United States. In fact, the Fair Housing Act makes it clear that a landlord is required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. This includes allowing them to have service animals, even in places that normally do not allow pets. These protections apply to all types of disabilities, not just physical ones. If you have a disability and you need a service animal, your landlord cannot deny you one.
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Landlord’s Right to Reasonable Accommodations

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits housing providers from discriminating against people with disabilities. This includes denying them reasonable accommodations, such as allowing service animals. However, landlords are not required to allow service animals that would cause a “direct threat” to the health or safety of others, or that would cause “undue financial and administrative burdens”.

In most cases, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. These tasks can include things like guiding the blind, pulling a wheelchair, or alerting someone to the presence of an allergen.

Landlord’s Right to Verify a Service Animal

  • A landlord can ask for documentation from a healthcare professional that the animal has been trained to perform a specific task for a disability.
  • The landlord can also ask for a demonstration of the animal’s abilities.
  • The landlord cannot charge a pet deposit or fee for a service animal.

What to Do if Your Landlord Denies Your Request for a Service Animal

  • Contact the Fair Housing Center or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to file a complaint.
  • You can also file a lawsuit against your landlord for discrimination.
Examples of Reasonable Accommodations for Service Animals
AccommodationExample
Allowing the service animal to live in the housing unitEven if the landlord has a no-pets policy
Waiving pet fees or depositsFor the service animal
Providing a reasonable amount of space for the service animalIn the housing unit
Modifying policies to allow the service animal to accompany the person with a disability into common areasSuch as pools, gyms, and elevators

Fair Housing Act Protections for Service Animals

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is a federal law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination in housing. This includes the right to have a service animal in your home, even if the landlord has a no-pets policy. A service animal is a dog that is trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability.

  • Service Animals vs. Pets
  • Service animals are not considered pets under the FHA. This means that landlords cannot charge extra fees or deposits for service animals, and they cannot refuse to rent to someone because they have a service animal.

  • Landlord Responsibilities
  • Landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, including allowing them to have a service animal. This may include:

    • Waiving no-pets policies
    • Allowing the service animal to live in the unit, even if there is a pet limit
    • Providing reasonable access to common areas for the service animal
    • Not charging extra fees or deposits for the service animal

What Qualifies as a Service Animal?

To qualify as a service animal under the FHA, the dog must be trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability. These tasks can include:

  • Guiding people who are blind or have low vision
  • Alerting people who are deaf or hard of hearing to sounds
  • Pulling a wheelchair
  • Picking up objects
  • Providing emotional support

What Documentation Do I Need?

Landlords are allowed to ask for documentation to prove that a dog is a service animal. This documentation can include:

  • A letter from a doctor or other healthcare professional stating that the dog is a service animal
  • A certificate from a training organization that the dog has been trained to perform specific tasks
  • A photo ID for the person with the disability

What if My Landlord Denies Me a Service Animal?

If your landlord denies you a service animal, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You can also file a lawsuit against your landlord in federal court.

Checklist for Landlords and Tenants
Landlord ResponsibilitiesTenant Responsibilities
Waive no-pets policiesProvide documentation that the dog is a service animal
Allow the service animal to live in the unit, even if there is a pet limitKeep the service animal under control at all times
Provide reasonable access to common areas for the service animalClean up after the service animal
Not charge extra fees or deposits for the service animalBehave responsibly with the service animal

State and Local Laws Affecting Service Dogs

In the United States, the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in housing. This includes the right to have a service dog in housing, even if the landlord has a “no pets” policy. However, there are some state and local laws that may affect service dogs, and it is important to be aware of these laws before renting a home or apartment.

State Laws

  • Many states have laws that specifically protect the rights of individuals with service dogs. These laws vary from state to state, but they generally prohibit landlords from denying housing to individuals with disabilities and require landlords to make reasonable accommodations for service dogs.
  • For example, some states require landlords to allow service dogs in common areas, such as lobbies and elevators. Other states require landlords to provide a designated area for service dogs to relieve themselves.

Local Laws

  • In addition to state laws, there may also be local laws that affect service dogs. These laws can vary from city to city, so it is important to check with your local government to find out what the laws are in your area.
  • For example, some cities have leash laws that require all dogs to be leashed in public places. However, these laws may not apply to service dogs.

Table of State Laws Affecting Service Dogs

The following table provides a summary of state laws affecting service dogs. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and it is important to check with your local government to find out what the laws are in your area.

StateLaw
CaliforniaThe Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in housing. This includes the right to have a service dog in housing, even if the landlord has a “no pets” policy.
FloridaThe Florida Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in housing. This includes the right to have a service dog in housing, even if the landlord has a “no pets” policy.
New YorkThe New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in housing. This includes the right to have a service dog in housing, even if the landlord has a “no pets” policy.

Thanks for sticking with me to the end of this article. I know it was a bit of a long read, but I hope you found it informative and helpful. If you have any more questions about service dogs or your landlord’s rights and responsibilities, I encourage you to do some additional research or consult with a qualified professional. And be sure to check back soon for more articles on a variety of legal topics. Take care and have a fantastic day!