Appropriate (legal) response to section 8 inquiries and service dogs - Los Angeles California

[Francis A.]

Hi,

I received an inquiry asking if I accepted section 8 tenants and service dogs.  I understand it is a process to qualify one's rental to be section 8 ready so to speak. We weren't planning on pets but I understand "service animals" are under a different category.

I'm not sure if fair housing laws vary from state to state but with regards to California…

What is the correct legal verbiage to use in a phone call to say..

A: We aren't Section 8 approved

B: No pets allowed.

Interestingly enough, Craigslist flagged using "no pets" in the body of the text. However in a landmark decision, in West Hollywood pets are now considered "family".

Thanks!

Francis