Who is typically responsible for the costs associated with service animals in rental housing?

In the context of service animals in rental housing, the tenant is typically responsible for the costs associated with the service animal. This includes expenses related to the care, feeding, grooming, and any other needs of the service animal. While landlords are required by law to permit service animals as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act, they are generally not held responsible for the costs incurred by the tenant for the care and upkeep of these animals.

Landlords must make accommodations for service animals and cannot charge additional pet fees, but they do not have a financial obligation regarding the animal’s day-to-day expenses. Understanding this distinction is essential for both renters with service animals and landlords to comply with fair housing laws while also recognizing the financial responsibilities tied to pet ownership.