Service dogs are fully protected in housing under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) as a reasonable accommodation for disabilities. Landlords must allow them even in "no pets" properties, with exemptions from pet fees, deposits, breed/weight restrictions, and related rules.
If your landlord questions your service dog:
If your disability and/or the dog's role are obvious (e.g., a guide dog for visible blindness), the landlord generally cannot request documentation or further proof.
If not obvious, the landlord may ask for reliable verification that:
You have a disability (physical or mental impairment substantially limiting major life activities).
The dog is necessary to mitigate your disability (i.e., trained to perform specific tasks).
They cannot require certification, registration, vests, or IDs—these have no legal weight under federal law.
Landlords cannot ask about the nature/extent of your disability or demand a demonstration of tasks.
Denials are only allowed if:
The dog poses a direct threat (based on actual behavior, not breed or speculation).
It causes substantial uncontrolled damage.
The accommodation imposes an undue burden (rare).