Understanding Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

🐕Service animals, including dogs and miniature horses, are protected under the Fair Housing Act and the American Disabilities Act.

🏢The Fair Housing Act applies to all housing, with a few exceptions, including owner-occupied buildings with four units or less.

🔎Landlords can legally ask tenants with disabilities if their animal is required to serve their disability and what tasks the animal has been trained to perform.

🐇Emotional support animals require documentation from a licensed therapist, and they can include a wide range of animals, such as rabbits, cats, and snakes.

💼Landlords cannot charge pet fees or deposits for service animals or emotional support animals, but they can charge for any damage caused.

Can landlords ask for documentation of a disability for a service animal?

—No, landlords can only ask if the animal is required to serve the disability and what tasks it has been trained to perform.

Are emotional support animals considered pets?

—No, emotional support animals are not legally considered pets, and landlords cannot charge pet fees or deposits for them.

What kind of animals can be emotional support animals?

—Emotional support animals can be any type of animal, including rabbits, cats, snakes, and more.

What are the exceptions to the Fair Housing Act?

—The Fair Housing Act has a few exceptions, including owner-occupied buildings with four units or less.

Can landlords charge for damage caused by a service animal or emotional support animal?

—Yes, landlords can charge for any damage caused by a service animal or emotional support animal.

00:00Introduction to the topic of service animals and emotional support animals in housing.

01:25Explanation of the Fair Housing Act and its protections against discrimination in housing.

03:00Definition of assistance animals and their inclusion under the Fair Housing Act.

05:45Explanation of the difference between service animals and emotional support animals.

06:53Clarification on the legal requirements for service animals and the questions landlords can ask.

08:15Explanation of the documentation required for emotional support animals.

10:00Summary of the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords regarding service animals and emotional support animals.

11:58Conclusion and final thoughts on the topic.