Do You Know the Fair Housing Rules about Service Animals

Service Animals

Many landlords and property managers do not know that people with disabili􏰁es have the right under both Federal and California Law to use the services of a guide, signal or service animal and to keep those animals in their residences. In fact, a “service animal” is specifically defined by law to not be considered a “pet.” They are given the same defini􏰁on as an auxiliary aid such as a wheel‐ chair, walker etc. A service animal can be any species. Also, there is no legal requirement that a service animal be specifically trained or cer􏰁fied. If requested by a person with a disability, a landlord or property manager must make reasonable accommoda‐ 􏰁ons for the animal. These accommoda􏰁ons must be made even where there is a “no pet” policy. The landlord or property man‐ ager can only ask for a copy of a doctor’s note recommending that the current or prospec􏰁ve tenant will benefit from keeping a service animal.

• A service animal can be a rabbit, cat, lizard, dog, etc for emotional or mobility support.
• A service animal can live with a person in a hourse or apartment which has a "NO PET" rule.
• If the owner goes to the hospital, the service pet can ride in the ambulance. Pet can stay at the hospital if the patient can attend to the pet. If not, a relative or friend can take over.
• A service animal does not have to wear a vest.
• If the owner checks into a hotel the pet can checked in with them. 
• Restaurants- pet can go inside with owner and walk the salad bar line with them.
• Does a service pet have to be registered with the ADA- NO.
• Does a service pet have to go through a class and be certified- NO.
• Does a service pet have to have required vaccinations and required city licenses- YES.
• For many other rules, go to www.ada.gov.

April 1st kicked off the National Fair Housing Month and celebrates TitleVIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 also known as the Fair Housing Act. This act was passed to allow every person regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disibility to have equal access to housing choice.

Thanks for Reading my Real Estate Blog.......