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 a landlord charge pet rent for an Emotional Support Animal?

No. Landlords cannot charge ESA owners pet rent. Under federal and state housing rules, landlords are not allowed to charge...

ESA Doctors2024-03-20T19:46:00+00:00Housing, Renting|

Can I get an Emotional Support Animal after I move in?

It's possible. Landlords have to consider a tenant's ESA request, even if it comes after signing the lease and moving...

ESA Doctors2024-03-20T19:46:24+00:00Housing, Renting|

Can I get my pet deposit back after I get an Emotional Support Animal?

If you got an ESA letter for your pet after you moved in, you may be entitled to a refund....

ESA Doctors2024-03-20T19:46:45+00:00Housing, Renting|

What to Do If a Landlord Denies Your Emotional Support Animal

Living with an emotional support animal (ESA) can make all the difference when managing a mental health condition, working through...

ESA Doctors2024-03-20T19:46:52+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.