Can a tenant be charged extra fees for having an assistance animal?

The correct answer indicates that charging a tenant extra fees for having an assistance animal would violate fair housing laws. This is based on the regulations surrounding assistance animals, which are recognized as a necessary support for individuals with disabilities under the Fair Housing Act.

Assistance animals, including emotional support animals, are not classified as pets. Therefore, landlords and housing providers cannot impose additional fees or deposit requirements specifically because a tenant requires an assistance animal. This policy ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to housing and are not subjected to financial burdens for needing medical support, thus protecting their rights under the law.

Options that suggest charging fees, even if stipulated under general pet policies or for maintenance costs, do not hold up under fair housing principles, which emphasize the necessity of accommodating individuals with disabilities without discrimination or added financial penalties.