Can I charge pet deposit for service animal?

[Charlie Gruber]

I have prospective tenant that has a service animal. Typically I charge a non-refundable pet deposit. Is it still legal to charge this deposit for service animal? Thanks in advance! -Charlie

[Katie Fiola Jones]

Originally posted by @Charlie Gruber:

Also, can I ask for any type of documentation to prove animal is truly an emotional support animal?

 I believe if they are visibly handicapped you can't ask for the documentation, but if it is a handicap that is not visible you can ask for the documentation.

On a different note - if you use the term deposit, this should mean the money is refundable. If you are collecting money from tenants that is nonrefundable you may want to switch to using the term fee instead. The term deposit may sound a little nicer than fee, however technically if you're making the money nonrefundable it turns into a fee.