If a visually impaired person has a guide dog, what does the South Dakota Human Rights Act say about renting an apartment?

The South Dakota Human Rights Act provides specific protections for individuals with disabilities, which includes allowing them to use service animals, such as guide dogs, regardless of the landlord's pet policy. This means that if a visually impaired person has a guide dog, the landlord cannot refuse to rent to that individual based on a "no pets" policy. The legislation is designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to housing and are not discriminated against because of their need for assistance animals.

The requirement to allow guide dogs aligns with the broader principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well, indicating that service animals are not considered pets but rather are essential aids for persons with disabilities. Therefore, landlords are compelled to accommodate tenants who need service animals. Understanding this legal obligation is crucial for both landlords and tenants in promoting fair housing practices.