Furnished Finder is committed to providing equal housing access for individuals with disabilities. This policy explains how service and assistance animals are handled on our platform in accordance with the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and applicable federal guidance.
This policy primarily applies to travelers and outlines expectations for landlords when responding to accommodation requests.
This policy reflects Furnished Finder’s interpretation of applicable fair housing requirements for purposes of platform governance only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords and travelers remain independently responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Service and Assistance Animals
Under the Fair Housing Act, individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation to live with a service animal or assistance animal, even in properties that have no-pet policies.
Service and assistance animals are not considered pets under the Fair Housing Act.
Definitions
Service Animal
A dog that is individually trained to perform specific tasks or work for a person with a disability.Assistance Animal
An animal that provides emotional support or other assistance that alleviates one or more symptoms of a disability. Assistance animals do not require specialized training.
Both service animals and assistance animals may qualify for protection under the Fair Housing Act. Any request for a service or assistance animal must be evaluated based on an individualized assessment supported by objective evidence, and not on assumptions, stereotypes, breed, size, or generalized concerns about animals.
Traveler Rights
Travelers with disabilities may request to keep a service or assistance animal as a reasonable accommodation when:
The traveler has a disability, and
The animal provides assistance related to that disability.
Travelers:
They are not required to disclose the nature of their disability
May be asked to provide reliable supporting information if the disability or need for the animal is not readily apparent
Reliable supporting information may include documentation from a licensed healthcare professional confirming that the individual has a disability and that the animal provides disability-related assistance.
Cannot be charged pet fees, pet rent, or additional deposits for approved service or assistance animals
Travelers remain responsible for:
Ensuring the animal does not cause damage beyond normal wear and tear
Complying with reasonable rules related to animal behavior, health, and safety
Covering the cost of any damage caused by the animal
Ensuring that service and assistance animals are under the handler’s control at all times and comply with applicable local animal control, health, and vaccination laws.
Landlord Obligations
A landlord may not:
Refuse a booking solely because of a service or assistance animal
Impose additional fees, deposits, or conditions because of the animal
Apply different rules or terms to travelers with service or assistance animals
Landlords may request supporting documentation only when permitted by law and only if the disability or need for the animal is not obvious. Landlords may not require disclosure of a specific diagnosis, medical records, certification, registration, or proof of training.
Limited Exemptions
The Fair Housing Act includes limited exemptions, such as:
Owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units
Certain single-family homes are rented without an agent
Housing operated by religious organizations or private clubs
Exemptions are construed narrowly under federal law, and landlords claiming an exemption may be required to provide supporting documentation.
When an Accommodation May be Denied
A request for a service or assistance animal may be denied only if the landlord can demonstrate that:
Granting the request would impose an undue financial or administrative burden
The request would fundamentally alter the nature of the housing
The specific animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be mitigated
The animal would cause significant property damage that cannot be reasonably prevented
Each situation is evaluated individually.
Reporting and Enforcement
Furnished Finder investigates all reports involving service or assistance animals. Furnished Finder may take interim enforcement actions, including temporary suspension of listings or accounts, while conducting a good-faith investigation and may request additional information from involved parties before making a final determination.
If we determine that a traveler or landlord has violated this policy:
Listings or accounts may be temporarily suspended during review
Repeated or serious violations may result in removal from the platform
Retaliation against a traveler for requesting or using a reasonable accommodation is strictly prohibited and may result in enforcement action by Furnished Finder.
Learn More
For practical tips and guidance when traveling with a service animal, please visit Traveling with a Service Animal. External resources are provided for convenience and do not modify this policy.