The basics: service dogs and the Fair Housing Act
For housing, a psychiatric service dog is handled under the Fair Housing Act as an assistance animal. That means you can request to keep the dog as a reasonable accommodation, even in a building with a no-pets policy. The landlord must give the request fair consideration — but, importantly, “must consider” is not the same as “must accept.” Decisions are made individually.
No pet fees for assistance animals
Because an approved assistance animal isn’t a pet, the usual pet charges generally don’t apply:
- No pet rent for the service dog.
- No pet deposit or non-refundable pet fee.
- No breed or weight restriction used to deny the accommodation.
You’re still responsible for any actual damage the dog causes — the protection covers the accommodation, not damage. The practical side of this is in PSD letter for apartments.
What a landlord can — and can’t — ask
They can
- Ask whether the dog is needed because of a disability (when it isn't obvious).
- Ask what task the dog is trained to perform.
- Request documentation that reasonably supports a non-obvious disability.
They generally can’t
- Demand your specific diagnosis or full medical records.
- Require certification, registration, or a live task demonstration.
- Deny the request because of breed, weight, or a no-pets policy.
When a request can be denied
Lawful denials are narrow and based on the specific animal and situation — for example, a documented direct threat to others’ safety, substantial property damage that can’t be reduced by another accommodation, an undue burden, or documentation that can’t be verified. We cover the details, and the steps to take if you’re denied, in can a landlord deny a PSD letter.
How to make the request
- Put your reasonable-accommodation request in writing.
- Include a PSD letter from a licensed provider documenting your disability-related need.
- Offer the provider's license details so the landlord can verify it.
- Keep copies of everything you send and receive.
If a comfort animal fits your situation better than a task-trained service dog, the ESA path may be simpler — compare them in ESA vs PSD letter, and see the ESA landlord side in ESA letter for a landlord.
Get a verifiable letter for your housing request
If you qualify, a licensed provider issues a signed psychiatric service dog letter a landlord can verify — with a refund if you don’t qualify.
Start PSD Assessment