There seems to be a growing trend amongst dog owners claiming that their dogs are "Service Dogs" for the sake of being able to have them at a rental property that does not allow dogs. If you are a landlord here are a few things you should know:

• You may NOT turn down a prospective tenant because they have a service animal even if you have a no pets policy.
• You may require a letter from a doctor stating that the prospective tenant needs the dog as a service dog however,  you are NOT allowed to ask what the specific reason is for needing the service dog.
• You may NOT ask for an additional deposit for the service dog and the tenant is NOT responsible for any damages that a "Service Dog" causes. 
• Your rental application and agreement should clearly ask if the tenant has any pets of any kind including a service animal.  If they check NO and they move in with a service animal later you may have grounds to evict them based on a violation of the agreement. 

For more information call Fair Housing Hotline at 626-791-0211, know the facts!