Can a landlord ask to see certification documents for a service dog?

A landlord cannot require certification documents for a service dog under the Fair Housing Act. This law protects individuals with disabilities and their right to have service animals, which assist them in their daily lives. Importantly, the Act does not recognize any official certification or registration for service animals as a requirement for the accommodation.

Service animals are defined specifically as dogs that are individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. The law broadly establishes the rights of individuals with disabilities to have these animals as companions in housing situations without the need for additional documentation that may not exist or be relevant to the service the animal provides.

This means that while the landlord can ask minimal questions to determine whether an animal qualifies as a service animal—such as asking if the dog is a service animal required because of a disability and what tasks the dog has been trained to perform—they cannot demand paperwork or proof of certification. This is crucial to ensure the rights of individuals with disabilities are respected, promoting fair housing practices and minimizing barriers to necessary assistance and support.