Owner rights regarding Emotional Support Animal

[Kyle Graves]

Hi, I'm new to renting. And I've already had a problem. I have a prospective tenant who has an ESA dog. I was wanting an additional deposit since there was an animal involved, I made it clear it wasn't a "pet" deposit but he is still claiming I can't charge more for the deposit since I had told him it was because of the dog I was going to require more. He did provide me with some literature from the fair housing act. This is a single family residence located in Idaho. I am wanting thoughts and feedback for any future renters I have this situation with. And how best to proceed with this renter. We were about to sign the lease when he brought me the literature listing his rights ect.

[Lance Wakefield]

I am no expert but as far as I know charging someone more for a service animal would be like charing someone more because they're handicapped. I would REALLY not recommend it. Anyone can feel free to correct me if I am wrong. Basically those animals are very protected they can go anywhere a person can go no questions asked. If you even ask someone what the service animal is for as far as I know you're breaking the law. Tread lightly.