
Whether you can charge a pet deposit for an emotional support dog is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out his form below.
Dear Landlord Hank,
Can you charge a pet deposit or rent fee for an emotional support dog?
-Taylee
Hi, Landlady Taylee,
A landlord is not supposed to look at an emotional support animal or service animal as a pet but rather as a needed medical device such as glasses, a walker, or a Seeing Eye dog.
I know a walker or your pair of glasses won’t have a urinary accident on the carpet, but you can’t charge a tenant a deposit nor extra rent for an emotional support dog, with REAL documentation, from a licensed medical provider.
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
Each week I answer questions from landlords and property managers across the country in my “Dear Landlord Hank” blog in the digital magazine Rental Housing Journal.   https://rentalhousingjournal.com/asklandlordhank/
Ask Landlord Hank Your Question
Ask veteran landlord and property manager Hank Rossi your questions from tenant screening to leases to pets and more! He provides answers each week to landlords.
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