It is unlawful for landlords to (1) charge additional rent, (2) demand a pet deposit, or (3) charge any fees whatsoever for an assistance animal . The Fair Housing Act guarantees this protection. You are still responsible for any damage the animal does to the property.
Are pet deposits charged per pet?
Are pet deposits charged per pet? Separate pet deposits are generally not charged for each individual pet — clearly, a deposit for every goldfish would not go over well with most renters.
Can a landlord charge a pet deposit for a service dog?
Landlords may not require applicants or residents to pay a pet deposit for a service dog, psychiatric service dog, or support animal, even if they do so for other applicants or residents.
Can I be charged for an emotional support animal?
The FHA gives people with Emotional Support Animals certain rights. ... They may not charge a pet fee or deposit , nor may they require that the ESA perform a specific task like a service animal would. Landlords and property managers also may not ask about the extent of your disability or request a detailed medical record.
What happens if you don't tell your landlord about a pet?
If you're caught sneaking in a pet, your landlord may have the right to evict you . If you're evicted, your landlord may sue you for the remainder of your lease payment. ... Any future landlords can learn about your eviction history, and that may make renting again a tough proposition.
Can an emotional support animal be denied?
You are legally allowed to deny an ESA if that animal poses a threat to the safety of others . So if you discover an ESA bit or harmed someone before, you likely can deny that animal.
Can I be charged pet rent for an ESA?
Landlords may not charge the tenant extra “pet” rent or “pet” security deposit for a service or emotional support animal. Landlords may not apply other “pet policy” rules like breed or weight restrictions to service or emotional support animals.
Can you deny a service dog?
A landlord or other housing provider may deny a request to keep a service dog, psychiatric service dog, or support animal in California as a reasonable accommodation if the specific animal: poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or. would cause substantial physical damage to the property of others.
Are landlords allowed to say no pets?
Some landlords just say no when it comes to pets , and California law allows them to do so. ... Although rare, your landlord can deny your service animal if he has a compelling reason to believe that your animal will cause property damage or pose a threat to other tenants.
How do you hide a pet during an inspection?
For pets like a lizard or a mouse, you can surely place them in their pen and keep them in the store's dark cupboard during inspection time. Be sure your pet is not afraid of a dark environment as they make some sounds and expose you.
Do you have to tell landlord about pets?
Some landlords just say no when it comes to pets, and California law allows them to do so . If your lease specifies that you may not have pets, your landlord can evict you for getting one. The Federal Fair Housing Act, however, supersedes a landlord's no pet policy.
Do I have to disclose my emotional support animal?
Can my landlord ask me to register or provide registration proof for my ESA? No, registration is not required for emotional support animals. Do I have to disclose my disability to my apartment manager or landlord? No, you do not have to disclose any medical information to your landlord .
Can emotional support animals go anywhere?
A service dog, such as a guide dog or psychiatric service dog, is generally allowed anywhere the public is allowed ; ESAs are not. For example, ESAs generally cannot accompany their owners into restaurants or shopping malls.
How hard is it to get an ESA letter?
The process for securing an ESA letter is not difficult , especially if you are currently experiencing stress, anxiety or depression. Simply explain to a doctor why you think an animal would enhance your therapy and why you need them to travel with you or live with you in housing that otherwise would not allow animals.
Can a hotel charge a pet fee for an emotional support animal?
In short: Yes . Not only are service animals allowed in hotels, but they are also welcome in the public areas of hotels, and do not have to pay any additional pet fees.
How do I get certified as an emotional support animal?
There is no such thing as a certificate or a certification program that officially qualifies a dog as an emotional support animal under law. The only legitimate way to qualify your dog as an Emotional Support Animal is by obtaining a recommendation letter from a licensed mental health professional .
