Guide · Renting and leases
Assistance Animals
A friendly, respectful guide to service and assistance animals in housing, and a simple, kind process for requests under fair housing rules.
Where to start
- Making a request?
Make it as early as you can, and in writing if possible, so there is a clear record. The checklist has the rest.
- Request denied or delayed?
Ask kindly, in writing, for the reason. See if a request is denied or delayed.
- Received a request?
Every request deserves a kind, prompt answer, even one made out loud.
The short version
An assistance animal helps a person with a disability, and it is handled as a reasonable accommodation under fair housing rules, not under the pet policy.
HUD’s enforcement now focuses on animals trained to do work or perform tasks for a person’s disability. State and local rules may protect emotional support animals too.
If a disability or need isn’t obvious, reliable information showing the need may be requested, but never a diagnosis or medical records.
The animal’s owner is responsible for its care, control and cleanup, and for any damage. Pet rent and pet fees are generally not charged for an approved trained assistance animal.
Rules differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at your local rules. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.
Four simple rules
- 1An assistance animal is not a pet
An animal that helps a person with a disability is handled as a reasonable accommodation under fair housing rules, not under the pet policy.
- 2Every request deserves a kind, prompt answer
A request can be made in any reasonable way, even out loud. It deserves a timely, respectful response.
- 3Ask only what is needed
Information should show the disability-related need, never a diagnosis, medical records or private details beyond that.
- 4Responsibility comes with it
The animal’s owner is responsible for its care, control and cleanup, and for any damage it causes.
Helpful habits checklist
From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. These are examples; your situation may need others.
All done. Everything is in one place.
If a request is denied or delayed
- Ask, kindly and in writing, for the reason for the decision or the delay.
- Offer any reliable information that may have been missing, or ask whether another accommodation could work.
- Keep copies of every request, document and reply, with dates.
- Reach out to a local fair housing organization, a legal aid office or an attorney for guidance.
- You may also contact HUD at 1 800 669 9777. There are time limits for complaints, so it helps to act soon.
You never have to share your diagnosis or medical history.
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This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal or medical advice. Bunklow does not inspect properties or decide accommodation requests.