| mscat | 07-10-2012 06:46 PM | Quote:
Originally Posted by KimberlySRN
(Post 3956081)
I'm confused by this. If renting and you have an animal...the deposit is for possible damage. I understand a service animal is not considered a pet... Would this mean because of the wording they could call it a "animal deposit"? | For starters, if the rental unit is a pet friendly complex, then typically their would be a dog or cat deposit, which would cover damages. However, if their is a no pet policy, and a disabled person has a service dog, they are going to need to request accomadations be made for the animal , so the tenant can enjoy her apartment just like any other person. Legally I know in California, leasing agents or managers are not allowed to charge a 'pet deposit" on a service dog, because they are not considered "pets" However, it the service dog does cause damage to the home the tenet will be held liable. Lets say it is a puppy in training, and the puppy chews up a wall or corner of a door, the tenant is responsible, or the dog pees everywhere, tenant is responsible. Plus, if the service dog is a barker, and is found to be a nuciance, the management can give a notice to the tenet, to try to fix the problem, and if not still resolved the service dog may have to vacate the premisis. Those are legit and legal reasons for denying a service dog, plus if the apartment needed to change the structure of the building and cannot make accomadations due to that reason, legally they can say no. |