Is Pet Screening Legal?

Pet screening is a process that landlords use to assess the risk of a pet causing damage to a rental property. Landlords may use pet screening to determine whether to allow pets in their properties, and if so, what kind of pets are allowed and what fees or deposits are required.

What is Pet Screening?

Pet screening typically involves collecting information about the pet, such as the breed, weight, age, and vaccination history. Landlords may also require pet owners to provide proof of insurance or a pet deposit.

Some landlords may use a third-party pet screening service to help them assess the risk of a pet. These services typically collect information about the pet from the owner and use algorithms to score the pet's risk of causing damage.

Is Pet Screening Legal?

Pet screening is generally legal, but there are some restrictions. For example, landlords cannot discriminate against pets based on breed or origin. They also cannot charge excessive pet fees or deposits.

In some cases, landlords may be required to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities who have pets. For example, a landlord may be required to allow a service animal in a rental property even if the landlord has a no-pets policy.

Pros and Cons of Pet Screening

Pros:

• Can help landlords assess the risk of a pet causing damage to their property
• Can help landlords determine what kind of pets are allowed in their properties
• Can help landlords set appropriate pet fees and deposits

Cons:

• Can be discriminatory against certain breeds of pets
• Can be expensive for landlords and pet owners
• Can be difficult to enforce

Conclusion

Pet screening is a legal practice that can help landlords assess the risk of a pet causing damage to their property. However, it is important for landlords to use pet screening in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.