Property Management Blog

Key Takeaways

• Service animals aren't pets – They're legally protected aids for disabilities.
• "No pet" rules don't apply – You must allow service animals.
• Limited documentation allowed – You can ask for need verification, not medical details.
• No pet fees – Service animals are exempt from deposits or extra charges.
• Tenants must control animals – They’re liable for damage or misbehavior.
• Discrimination = legal risk – Denial or unfair treatment can violate housing laws.
• ESAs have different rules – They're covered under FHA, not ADA.

Are you unsure how to navigate the rules around residents who move in with service animals? You're not alone; many landlords across Dallas face this same challenge. 

With increasing awareness of disability rights and the legal protections for service animals, it's more important than ever to understand how these laws apply to rental properties. One wrong move can unintentionally put you in violation of fair housing regulations, even if your intentions are good. 

This guide will walk you through what you need to know, helping you stay compliant while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations. 

At SGI Property Management Dallas, we understand the unique concerns landlords face and we're here to help make things easier for you.

Service Animal Smarts: What Every Dallas Landlord Should Know

Legal Protections

One of the first things to know as a landlord in Dallas is that service animals are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act. 

This means that if a resident has a disability and requires a service animal, you’re legally required to accommodate them, even if your property normally doesn’t allow pets. The law applies to all types of housing, including single-family homes and apartments. 

Understanding these protections helps you avoid compliance issues while supporting a fair and respectful rental process.

Documentation

Landlords often wonder what they’re allowed to ask for when a resident claims they have a service animal. In Dallas, the rules are clear and designed to protect privacy while still allowing landlords to verify the claim. 

If the disability and the need for the animal are not immediately obvious, you can ask for reliable documentation from a healthcare provider confirming the need for the service animal. 

However, you cannot ask for detailed medical records or demand the animal's certification or training papers. This balance protects residents’ rights while giving you the clarity you need to manage your property confidently and within legal limits.

Pet Fees and Deposits

This is a common area of confusion for landlords. Can you charge a pet deposit for a service animal? The answer is no. Service animals are not considered pets under the law, so you cannot charge any type of pet-related fee, including deposits, monthly pet rent, or non-refundable charges. 

In Dallas, this means even if your usual lease includes pet fees, you’ll need to make an exception. That said, you can still hold the resident financially responsible for any actual damage the animal causes, just like you would with any other resident. 

It’s about making a fair distinction between routine pet ownership and a medically necessary support animal.

Behavioral Standards

While service animals must be allowed, that doesn’t mean they can cause disruption or damage. In Dallas, landlords are within their rights to enforce reasonable rules around cleanliness, noise, and general behavior, as long as those rules are applied equally to all residents. 

If a service animal becomes aggressive, damages the property, or poses a direct threat to others, you can take action. 

However, the key is to document issues clearly and follow a fair, consistent process. You can’t remove the animal without good reason, but you do have the right to maintain a safe and respectful living environment for everyone on the property.

Difference Between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

It’s easy to confuse service animals with emotional support animals, but landlords in Dallas need to understand the difference. 

A service animal is specifically trained to perform tasks that assist a person with a disability, like guiding someone who is blind or alerting a person with epilepsy before a seizure. Emotional support animals, on the other hand, provide comfort but aren’t trained to carry out specific tasks. 

This distinction matters because service animals are covered under the Fair Housing Act, while emotional support animals may be subject to different guidelines. 

Knowing which type of animal your resident has helps you apply the correct rules and remain compliant without overstepping legal boundaries or making avoidable mistakes.

Local and State Guidelines

In addition to federal laws, landlords in Dallas should be aware of any city or state-specific rules regarding service animals. 

While Texas law typically aligns with the federal Fair Housing Act, local ordinances or housing policies may include extra requirements or clarifications. For example, Dallas may have rules about health and safety standards for animals in rental units or limits on documentation requests. 

It’s a good idea to review city codes or reach out to a local expert if something isn’t clear. Staying updated on local guidelines ensures that your leasing process reflects both federal and regional expectations, reducing the risk of legal trouble and helping you manage your property with confidence.

Clear Lease Terms

Even though service animals aren’t considered pets, it’s still smart to include language in your lease that outlines your property’s policies for them. 

This doesn’t mean creating a separate agreement, but rather clarifying how the animal is expected to behave and what the resident is responsible for. In Dallas, this can help prevent confusion down the road and make sure both you and your resident are on the same page. 

You can also include a general note about how requests for reasonable accommodations are handled, without singling out individuals. Clear communication from the start helps avoid misunderstandings and creates a more professional, respectful landlord-resident relationship.

Your Next Step Toward Confident Renting

Understanding service animal laws is essential, but you don’t have to navigate it all on your own. SGI Property Management Dallas helps landlords like you across Dallas and handles these situations with clarity and confidence. 

From guiding you through legal compliance to helping set up smart leasing policies, our expertise makes a big difference. If you’re unsure what steps to take next, reach out to SGI Property Management Dallas to discuss what’s right for your rental property!