20. When a tenant who has a service or support animal applies to lease an apartment in a building that does not allow pets, which of the following rules must the landlord follow?
Answer: A
Both state and federal laws require the landlord to allow any service or support animal.
Landlords are mandated by both state and federal laws to accommodate tenants with service or support animals, regardless of the building's pet policy. This ensures that individuals who rely on such animals for assistance are not discriminated against in housing situations.
A) Both state and federal laws require the landlord to allow any service or support animal
This option is correct as it aligns with the Fair Housing Act and various state laws that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. These regulations specifically state that service and support animals must be permitted in housing units, even if the property has a no-pet policy.
B) The landlord must allow the service or support animal, but may charge an additional deposit
This option is incorrect because while landlords can charge for damages caused by the tenant, they cannot charge additional deposits specifically for service or support animals. The law requires that these animals be accommodated without imposing extra financial burdens on the tenant.
C) The landlord may disallow the animal if there are no other animals permitted in the building
This option is incorrect as it contradicts the legal protections for tenants with service or support animals. The presence of a no-pet policy does not exempt landlords from their obligations to allow these specific animals, as the law prioritizes the needs of individuals with disabilities.
D) The landlord may disallow the animal if it is not federally registered as a support or service animal
This option is also incorrect. There is no federal registration requirement for service or support animals, and tenants may not be required to provide documentation in order to have their animals accommodated. The lack of registration does not invalidate the legality of having such an animal under the law.
Conclusion
The correct answer is A, which reflects the legal obligation of landlords to permit service and support animals regardless of any no-pet policies. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they misinterpret the legal protections afforded to individuals with disabilities, thereby failing to recognize the rights of tenants in these situations.