Cal. Civ. Code § 49-4-214
Right To Be Accompanied By Service Animal -- Identification For Service Animals In Training
Operative Text
(1) A person with a disability has the right to be accompanied by a service animal or a service animal in training with identification complying with subsection (4) in any of the places mentioned in 49-4-211 (2) without being charged extra for the service animal. The person with a disability is liable for any damage done to the property by the service animal. (2) A person with a disability who has a service animal or who obtains a service animal is entitled to full and equal access to all housing accommodations as provided in 49-2-305 and 49-4-212 . The person with a disability may not be required to pay extra compensation for the service animal but is liable for any damage done to the premises by the service animal. (3) A person who is training a service animal is entitled to the same rights and assumes the same responsibilities granted to a person with a disability in this section. (4) For the purposes of this section, a service animal in training shall wear a leash, collar, cape, harness, or backpack that identifies in writing that the animal is a service animal in training. The written identification for service animals in training must be visible and legible from a distance of at least 20 feet. (5) If a person has a service animal that provides assistance and the person wishes to access the places and accommodations mentioned in 49-4-211 accompanied by the animal in its capacity as a service animal: (a) the service animal must be under the handler's control as required under 28 CFR 35.136 that is in effect as of October 1, 2019; and (b) the person may be asked by a representative of the place or accommodation: (i) whether the animal is a service animal that is required because of a disability; and (ii) to describe the work or task the service animal is trained to perform. (6) (a) If the service animal described in subsection (5) is not under the handler's control and the handler has not taken effective action to control the service animal or the service animal is not housebroken, the handler may be asked to remove the service animal from the place or accommodation. (b) A place or accommodation that asks that a service animal be removed from the place or accommodation as provided in subsection (6)(a) shall give the service animal's handler the opportunity to participate in the service, program, or activity without having the service animal on the premises. (7) If a place or accommodation mentioned in 49-4-211 posts a notice that dogs or other animals are prohibited on the premises, the place or accommodation must also indicate that a person may be accompanied by a service animal subject to the provisions of this chapter.
Montana Code § 49-4-214 establishes that people with disabilities may bring service animals—and trainers may bring service animals in training—into public places and housing accommodations without being charged extra fees. Service animals in training must wear visible, legible identification (such as a cape, harness, or backpack) that can be read from at least 20 feet away. Handlers remain financially responsible for any property damage caused by their animals. Facilities that post 'no animals' notices must also indicate that service animals are permitted under this chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Mont. Code Ann. § 49-4-214, housing providers are generally expected to grant full and equal access to tenants and applicants who use service animals or service animals in training, without imposing extra fees or compensation requirements. Compliant operators typically refrain from asking for documentation beyond the two permissible questions—whether the animal is required due to a disability and what task it is trained to perform—and they ensure that any posted 'no animals' signage includes a clear statement that service animals are welcome. If a service animal is out of control or not housebroken, a housing provider may ask for its removal while still offering the handler the opportunity to participate in the housing program or activity without the animal present.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mont. Code Ann. § 49-4-214 gives people with disabilities the right to be accompanied by a service animal in housing accommodations without paying extra fees, and the same protections extend to individuals training service animals. If a housing provider denies access, imposes surcharges, or asks questions beyond those permitted by the statute, that may constitute a violation of this provision and related protections under § 49-2-305 and § 49-4-212. Tenants who believe their rights under § 49-4-214 have been violated may consider filing a complaint with a fair housing agency, contacting a tenant-rights organization, or consulting an attorney familiar with Montana disability and housing law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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