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I found a place I would like to rent but they said they would prefer not to have a dog in the home & want a $200 fee/
I told the owner I had a service animal, he said that he would prefer not to have a dog in the home given the new carpet and new wood floors. And said he would have to charge me a $200 non-refundable deposit if they approve me. Can they say that or charge me a fee for my service dog? I also feel they will make excuses to find a way to deny me the home to lease now that they know I have a service animal.
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Guest 650088
on Sep 9th 2009
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in Other Laws & Legislation
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If the dog is trained as an accommodation for a disability, he has no choice but to rent to you, dog and all. I am not sure about the extra fees. If your dog was trained by a school, they should have people to advise you. If not, check www.iaadp.org Also your local equal opportunity agency may provide reliable free advice. There are some other members here that may know the details of the law better than I do.
Aster
answered on 9/9/09.
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The laws vary by state. Sometimes a private renter can get out of it if he can't get the insurance, but then he would just have to request you have your own policy. Public apartment complexes must rent if the dog is for your disability. "Therapy" dogs are not the same and again check the laws.
Snickers
answered on 9/9/09.
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If your dog is a service dog they cannot refuse to rent to you because of it. That is illegal.
Guest 201397
answered on 9/10/09.
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They can charge you whatever fee they wish.
I would get a receipt from them also.
They can also file suit when you move out and any of the carpet is ruined/floors/walls/ that is the norm. pets or not.
So, just be careful of any damage.
If they want extra money down it is your decision. But, get it on a receipt why and what amount.
Dieta
answered on 9/10/09.
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If your dog is a certified service dog, I don't think they can deny you. I'm sure laws vary from state to state ie deposits & such, but I doubt any can refuse a certifled service dog. Find out what the laws are in your state. The landlord may or may not have the right to charge extra, as it could be considered discrimination under the ADA, which may be a good place to ask your question. I really hope this goes your way. It's a bit like saying a blind person has to pay for the damage that could result from using their cane, like maybe a ding in the wall. I think the law is on your side. You just have to prove it and determine what the landlord can legally do. I wonder if the ADA includes lawyers who help pro bono (pro bone). Good luck. Traveler818 & Sage who is not happy with your landlord. He says grrr, not nice.
Guest 854878
answered on 10/5/09.
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The owner is charging you a non-refundable fee on your dog not because he is a service dog, but because dogs can and do cause damage to floors and carpets over time. The fee covers the landlord's cost of cleaning , replacement and repair. If there are wood floors as stated there will be pet damage to the floors no matter how well behaved your dog. Their nails scratch and gouch wood floors even with the best polyurethane applied. Carpets get frayed by pet nails also, not to mention the dirt that accumulates over time.
A $200.00 pet fee is not alot to ask for allowing you a place to live with your animal. Some places charge far more than that. and charge the fee on an annual basis and per pet.
The landlord, in this case, is not out of line in requiring the fee, expecially given the fact that he just replaced the carpet and wood floors.
By all means, get a receipt for the fee and staple it to your lease if it is not already included in the lease contract.
Boo
answered 3 weeks ago.
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