Housing and Living with Emotional Support Animals

The main legal rights for emotional support animals are housing-related. Find out how to disclose your ESA to your landlord or HOA, housing rights, and more here.

College Dorms
Learn about bringing your ESA or service dog to your college campus.
HOA
Practical tips and advice for dealing with your HOA when you have an ESA or service dog.
Renting
Guides for renters who want to live with their pet, ESA or service dog.

Our Best Articles on Housing

How to Get an ESA Letter for Housing the Right Way

When you have an emotional support animal (ESA) and the right documentation, you are protected by certain rights under federal law when it comes to...

ESA Doctors2023-12-26T23:35:51+00:00Housing|

Can a Landlord Deny an Emotional Support Animal?

The law protects owners of emotional support animals (ESAs). Housing providers must accommodate ESA owners, even if they have a policy or lease that prohibits...

ESA Doctors2024-03-20T19:52:05+00:00Housing, Renting|

Can I be rejected for an Emotional Support Animal?

The Short Answer: Yes, but there has to be a valid legal reason. Under federal and state laws, owners of...

ESA Doctors2024-03-20T19:44:22+00:00HOA, Housing, Renting|

Do I have to disclose my ESA when filling out a lease if the property is “no pets”?

Technically: No, it’s not essential.But: It’s still probably a better idea to disclose. Renters with emotional support animals (ESA) often...

ESA Doctors2024-03-20T19:44:15+00:00Housing, Renting|

Can you get evicted if your ESA makes too much noise?

The short answer: Likely no, but there are times when a landlord can properly deny housing for a tenant’s ESA...

ESA Doctors2024-03-20T19:44:56+00:00Housing, Renting|

When do I have to tell my landlord about my ESA?

When to disclose: You are allowed to inform the landlord before or after you actually move in. It is not...

ESA Doctors2024-03-20T19:45:34+00:00Housing, Renting|

1.Can I bring an emotional support animal to a building that doesn’t allow pets?

Yes, under federal and state rules, landlords have to reasonably accommodate tenants that need an ESA to support their mental health. Even if they have a building policy that prohibits all pets.

2.What types of housing providers have to allow for emotional support animals?

Fair housing rules generally apply to most public and private landlords. That includes rental apartments, co-ops and HOAs. A few smaller landlords are exempt: owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units and single-family homes sold or rented by the owner without the use of an agent.

3.How does my landlord verify that I have an emotional support animal?

Landlords are entitled to see only one document to confirm a tenant’s animal is an ESA. That document is an ESA letter signed by a licensed healthcare professional. Landlords cannot ask for other documents like IDs, licenses or certificates.