Can I charge deposit for a service dog?

[Maria S.]

I have a possible tenant that tells me they don't have to pay the pet deposit because their pit bull is a service animal and I legally cannot charge them a pet deposit. Advise please.

[Steve Vaughan]

At the bottom of my ads, one of my first questions is - how many animals?  If they have too many, I may forget to anonymously e-mail them back.

I also jacked up security deposit requirements for everyone, as if they have an animal or 3.

If no animal is involved, I have the right to reduce the deposit requirement. 

Do not use the word 'pet', ever.  Not this day and age.   Animal, canine or feline are all that I reference anymore.  

This all could have been prevented by question #2 in my ad.  Now you are being dictated to.  Good luck.