Hi there, I’m a service dog handler who has rented before.

ADA applies to places of public accommodation (stores and the like) so you’re going to want to look at FHA/HUD laws regarding service dogs instead. (Though HUD defers to the ADA laws for the definition of a service animal so always good to learn both) I’d have your lawyer walk you through them if you’re not familiar.

Handler must request reasonable accommodation. Landlords with less than 4 properties or renting out a single family home without a broker are not required to accept service dogs. Likewise if having the dog on the property will cause an unfair financial burden upon the landlord (ie your insurance being canceled).

There is no nationally recognized registration for service dogs in the US. Some programs do provide ID cards, however that is just to show that the dog was trained by them. The ADA allows for owners to train their own service dogs as well or hire an trainer not associated with a program to train the dog for them. Any of those online registries are fake, anyone with an internet connection can get on them and buy ‘certification’. The fake online registries do not verify any information to the animals’ training and no joke you can register an inanimate object with them. 🤦🏻‍♀️🙄

ESA’s are a little different, the handler must present a note to a potential landlord on the office letterhead from a legitimate mental health professional/or Physician who has recommended an animal to help them with their disabilities. The letter must be no older than a year old. ESAs do not require any special training but their presence is no doubt beneficial to their owner’s well being.

You also cannot ask for a pet deposit/pet rent for service dogs or ESAs however you are allowed to charge for property damage just as you would with any other animal.