Is it permissible for an owner to charge a pet deposit for an assistance animal?

An owner is not permitted to charge a pet deposit for an assistance animal due to specific regulations that protect individuals with disabilities. Assistance animals, such as service dogs or emotional support animals, are not considered pets under fair housing laws. This distinction is crucial, as it emphasizes that these animals are necessary for the individual’s well-being rather than simply a choice or a luxury.

Charging a deposit for a pet would be contrary to the Fair Housing Act, which aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to housing. The Act states that reasonable accommodations must be made for those who require assistance animals, and financial barriers such as deposits can impede this access.

This protection means that landlords must instead focus on a tenant's responsibility for any damage caused by the assistance animal, rather than imposing upfront costs that they would typically apply to pet ownership. As a result, the answer regarding charging a pet deposit for an assistance animal is indeed that it is not allowed.