Service dogs can help the disabled function independantly.
Service dogs are specially trained to help physically and mentally disabled people with day-to-day tasks. Several different kinds of service dogs exist, including guide dogs, hearing dogs, mobility dogs, seizure alert/response dogs, psychiatric service dogs and autism dogs. Landlords in Beverly Hills are required to abide to the Federal Fair Housing requirements and California law when it comes to allowing service dogs.
Housing Availability
Individuals with service dogs are entitled to rent housing accommodations, according to The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. FHAA applies to most rental property. Landlord-occupied rental property with less than four units and private owners of less than three single-family units are except from the FHAA. Landlords must allow service dogs used for blind, visually handicapped, deaf or physically disabled tenants, according to California law. Service dogs to assist mentally disabled persons are at the discretion of the landlord.
Qualified Service Dog
A landlord can request documentation supporting that the dog is a certified service or guide dog. A letter from a physician stating the need for the service dog may also be required. Dogs required for emotional support do not qualify under the FHAA or California law.
Modifications
Tenants are permitted to make modifications, at their own expense, to the housing unit to accommodate their service dog. These may include a doggy door or fencing. The landlord can require that the unit be restored to the original state upon departure.
Deposit
An additional security deposit may not be collected from tenants with qualified service dogs, according to California Civil. Code Sec. 54.2. The tenant is responsible for any property damages caused by the service dog.
Exceptions
A landlord is permitted to ban a service dog if the animal poses a threat to other tenants. Excessive barking, aggression or the inability of the tenant to clean fecal matter are reasons for disallowing a service dog.
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