Renters Insurance for Service Animals in California

It is illegal in California for a landlord to demand that a renter provide insurance to cover their service animal or emotional support animal.

That is right. Landlords are not allowed to impose any fee or financial obligation on a renter as a condition for allowing a service animal or emotional support animal.

Landlords and property managers frequently demand “pet rent,” a “pet deposit,” and certain types of insurance before allowing a service animal or emotional support animal into a residence. However, California law is clear: these financial obligations are illegal.

If a landlord or property manager demands an insurance policy for a service animal or emotional support animal as a condition for moving into housing, that request is considered housing discrimination. A disabled individual can hire an attorney and go after the landlord or property manager for this discrimination.

A court can order the landlord or property manager to cease discriminating against disabled residents and applicants. A court can also award a disabled person money damages. Our office proudly takes on greedy landlords and property managers who do not follow California law, or worse, ignore it altogether.

Disabled renters have very strong legal protections when it comes to housing in California. If you feel that you are being discriminated against because of the presence of your service dog or emotional support animal, you should contact our office immediately.

Of course, it is probably a good idea for a renter to have adequate insurance. If a service animal or emotional support animal hurts another person, the handler can be liable for those injuries.