How should service animals be treated under fair housing rules?

• A. Housing providers may refuse service animals if there is a no-pets policy.
• B. Service animals are allowed only in owner-occupied units.
• C. Housing providers must make reasonable accommodations to permit service animals even if there is a no-pets policy.
• D. Service animals require an added pet fee.

Answer: (C)

Under fair housing rules, housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for residents with disabilities, and a service animal is not treated as a pet. This means the presence of a service animal must be allowed even if there’s a no-pets policy, so the accommodation can be made to enable the person with a disability to use and enjoy the housing. The only legitimate limits are if the animal poses a direct threat that can’t be mitigated or would cause substantial, unmitigatable damage or a fundamental change to operations. The provider may request documentation to verify the disability and need for the service animal, but cannot charge a separate pet fee for the service animal; charges for damages beyond normal wear and tear may apply.