Can you be denied a rental with an ESA?

Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, individuals with disabilities have protections from discrimination, including those who require an ESA to function. It states that landlords cannot refuse a potential tenant based solely on their disability and must make reasonable accommodations for them.

Can a landlord verify an ESA letter?

Landlords can verify ESA letters in a way that does not violate HIPPA or the Fair Housing Act. A proper ESA letter will be on a letterhead, with contact information such as phone number and email, along with the therapist’s license number.

Do landlords have to accept ESA animals?

The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the ADA allow qualified individuals to keep emotional support animals at a rental property even though a landlord enforces a no pet policy. However, if the animal creates a direct threat to the safety of others, the landlord is not required to accept the animal.

Can a landlord charge for an ESA?

Federal Laws Landlords may not prohibit a service animal or emotional support animal from living in the unit. Landlords may not charge the tenant extra “pet” rent or “pet” security deposit for a service or emotional support animal.

What proof do you need for an emotional support animal?

ESA letter
The only proof you need is the ESA letter written by a licensed professional stating your need for an emotional support dog. To be absolutely clear, if you do obtain an ESA letter, you are also not required to “register” your dog on any website.

How do I get approved for ESA?

How to Qualify for an ESA Approval

1. Qualify online when you take a comprehensive quiz about your pet and why you require an emotional support animal.
2. Order your pet’s ESA for housing, travel, and errands/general tasks.
3. A doctor will review and approve your ESA request within 48 hours.

Are emotional support animals protected?

Emotional support animals—also called therapy or comfort animals—have not been trained to perform work or tasks. Instead, they provide a benefit just by being present. The ADA provides no protection for emotional support animals in public accommodations.

What needs to be in a letter for an emotional support animal?

This is what your ESA letter needs to have: Mental health professional’s letterhead and signature, as well as the date of issuance. Mental health professional’s license type, the date the license was issued, license number, and the state that issued the license.

Can a landlord ask tenants to pay for an emotional support animal?

Landlords cannot ask tenants to pay any extra rent or deposits for having the emotional support animal, though it should be noted that they can require payment for any damage done by the animal. What If the Landlord Doesn’t Comply?

Are emotional support animals protected by the law?

As mentioned above, emotional support animals are given fewer legal protections than their service animal counterparts. However, they are classified differently than regular pets and are given certain legal privileges. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is a federal law governing the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords.

How do I Prove my Pet is an emotional support animal?

Under Fair Housing rules, landlords are permitted to request documentation from a renter in order to prove that their animal companion is an actual emotional support animal. There is only one form of documentation that will do the job under Fair Housing Rules: a recommendation letter from a licensed health care professional.

Can you enforce a no-pets policy in a rental lease?

You can enforce that policy by including a no-pets clause in your rental lease agreement. If you are subject to certain fair housing laws, though, you cannot enforce a no-pet policy on a tenant or prospective renter who has an emotional support animal or a service animal.