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|

Emotional Support Animals in College Dorms

College can be a difficult time for many young adults. Adjusting to a new social environment, meeting the expectations of...

ESA Doctors2024-03-20T19:38:05+00:00College Dorms, Housing|

How do I tell my landlord I have an ESA?

The short answer: You can inform your landlord you want to live with an emotional support animal by giving them...

ESA Doctors2024-03-20T19:41:19+00:00Housing, Renting|

Can a landlord deny an Emotional Support Animal because of allergies?

Short answer: In most cases, a landlord cannot deny an emotional support animal (ESA) over concern about allergies. The landlord...

ESA Doctors2024-03-20T19:41:37+00:00Housing, Renting|

Do Emotional Support Animals count as pets?

The Short Answer: No, emotional support animals do not count as normal pets for purposes of a residential building’s animal...

ESA Doctors2024-03-20T19:43:16+00:00HOA, Housing, 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.