Is it against the law to deny service animals in rental property?

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Is it against the law to deny service animals in rental property?

I have 2 vacation cabin rentals and do not allow pets.

Asked on July 29, 2019 under Real Estate Law, North Carolina

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 4 years ago | Contributor

Yes, it is against the law, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and also HUD regulations. You are allowed to request validation from a physician (or for emotional support animals, psychiatrist) that the renter has an diagnosed issue or condition which is alleviated or mitigated by the animal (i.e. you don't have to take the renter's word at face value), but if verification is provided, you must let them have the animal. If not, you could face considerable liability.
But you are allowed also to push back against inappropriate animals--no therapy wild boars or wolverenes, to use an obviously exagerated but illustrative example.


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