What question is appropriate for a landlord to ask a potential tenant with a service dog?

A landlord is permitted to ask whether the service dog is required due to a disability because this question pertains directly to the limitations and needs of the potential tenant. This inquiry aligns with the Fair Housing Act's focus on reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. It allows the landlord to understand the necessity of the service animal in relation to the tenant's disability without intruding into the tenant's private medical information.

Asking for proof of a disability or the cost of the dog would delve into personal health information, which may violate privacy rights and is generally not considered appropriate. Similarly, inquiring about other pets isn't relevant to the assessment of the service dog as a necessary accommodation for a disability. Thus, asking whether the service dog is needed because of a disability adheres to the regulations while remaining respectful of the tenant's rights.