When a tenant requests accommodation for a service animal, what does the ADA allow the landlord to ask for?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), when a tenant requests an accommodation for a service animal, the landlord is typically not allowed to ask for any additional documentation or proof beyond a simple verification of the need for the animal related to the tenant's disability. The ADA emphasizes that service animals are specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, primarily focusing on canines.

Landlords must permit service animals in their properties and can only ask two specific questions: whether the dog is a service animal required due to a disability and what tasks the dog has been trained to perform. They cannot inquire about the tenant's disability or demand documentation such as proof of training, insurance, or extensive medical records. This approach aligns with the ADA’s purpose to facilitate the independence and equal rights of individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the same opportunities for housing as those without disabilities. The key takeaway is that the law protects the rights of those needing service animals by limiting what landlords can require concerning verification of the animals' roles.