Can I charge a Rental Pet Deposit when a Pet is a Service Animal?

No, you cannot charge a pet deposit to the owner of a service animal in Florida. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are not considered pets. They are allowed to accompany their owners in public places and housing units, regardless of any pet policies. Additionally, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities who require the assistance of a service animal. This means landlords cannot charge additional fees or deposits for service animals or refuse to rent to tenants with a service animal. However, landlords are still allowed to ask for documentation to verify that the animal is a service animal, such as a letter from a doctor or other medical professional.

In Florida, landlords cannot charge a rental pet deposit for a service animal. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are not considered pets and their owners are entitled to have them in public places and housing units, regardless of pet policies. Furthermore, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) mandates landlords to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities who rely on service animals. Therefore, landlords cannot impose additional fees or deposits for service animals, nor can they refuse to rent to tenants with service animals. However, landlords may request documentation, such as a letter from a medical professional, to verify that the animal is indeed a service animal.