Fair Housing Quick Guide
MAA’s policy on Service and Companion Animals
The most common service animals are dogs, but sometimes other species are used (for example, a cat or a bird.) Service animals may be any breed, size or weight and should not be held to the standard weight limits or breeds. Some, but not all, service animals wear special collars and harnesses. Some, but not all, are licensed or certified and/or have identification papers. However, there is no legal requirement for service animals to be visibly identified or to have documentation or be certified. The ADA defines a service animal as "any animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability." Fair housing laws consider "companion" animals to be a type of service animal; however, they are not always trained to perform tasks but instead provide support, companionship or a calming influence. Determine whether a verification is needed If the person’s disability is obvious or otherwise known to you, and if the need for the service animal is also apparent, the Reasonable Accommodation and Verification for Service Animals Form is not required .
For example, a blind person with a guide dog does not need to verify his disability or need for the dog.
However, if the disability is not known to you or obvious, you should request proof that the resident is disabled, but you cannot require the resident provide information about the specific disability. You should start by submitting an Assistance Animal Request through AccessMAA. More information can be found in the Policy: Assistance Animals.
Rules for Service and Companion Animals
Pet deposits and pet fees:
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• The disabled resident or applicant who uses a service animal is not required to pay a pet deposit. Do not charge a pet deposit or fee.
Size and breed restrictions:
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• Do not place limitations on the size, weight, and type of service animals.
Service animal identification:
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• Service animals do not need to wear any special identifying gear such as tags, harnesses or capes. • Service animal owners/handlers are not required to carry any paperwork documenting the animal as a service animal.
Fair Housing Animal Addendum:
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• The resident will be required to sign an Animal Addendum and will be liable for any damage the animal may cause.
• Both service animals and pets can be required to meet the same reasonable behavior rules.
• Exception: allow a service animal to accompany the resident at all times and everywhere on the property except where animals are specifically prohibited under law.
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