More and more people are discovering that their pets can help alleviate the symptoms of their mental or emotional health condition by making them their emotional support animal. However, the first time renting an apartment with an emotional support animal (ESA) can be overwhelming. Knowing what to expect and having all the correct documentation helps to improve the process. Let’s find out how to rent an apartment with an emotional support animal letter.
- What is an Emotional Support Animal?
- What is an ESA Letter?
- Who can write an ESA letter?
- Do I have to tell my landlord I have an emotional support animal?
- Can a Landlord Ask for More Proof?
- Can My Landlord Charge Extra Fees for an ESA?
- What Can I Do if I’m Denied Housing Because of My Emotional Support Animal?
- Choose the Right Apartment
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
Everyone with a pet knows that animals brighten your day and make you feel loved. For people with a mental health disorder, however, the presence of their animal can mean the difference between seeing their symptoms worsen or improve. An emotional support animal, also known as an ESA, mitigates the symptoms of a psychiatric disability.
A few mental health conditions that commonly benefit from ESAs are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Autism
- Borderline Personality Disorder (PBD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Most pet owners think of their animal companions as family members. For owners of ESAs, their animals are a part of their mental health intervention. The presence of their ESA allows them to better manage the symptoms of their disability, which improves their mental health and overall quality of life.
Emotional Support Animals and the Fair Housing Act
Emotional support animals are much more than pets; they contribute to the wellness of someone struggling with a mental health condition. Because ESAs play such a pivotal role in the well-being of their owners, ESAs are protected under federal housing laws. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is a federal law protecting tenants from discrimination in housing matters. These laws ensure that people with disabilities are treated the same as people without disabilities.
Landlords and housing providers must take steps to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities — these accommodations include emotional support animals. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the enforcing branch of the FHA. When reviewing disputes regarding ESAs and housing, HUD looks for an emotional support animal housing letter.
If a renter has a legitimate ESA letter, the landlord must allow the ESA to live with their owner — even in “no pets allowed” housing areas.
ESALetters.com
What is an ESA Letter?
An emotional support animal letter, also known as an ESA letter or ESA housing letter, is a valid document attesting to an individual’s need for an ESA to address their mental health disability. An ESA letter states that an ESA owner requires the presence of the ESA to alleviate mental or emotional symptoms. The letter affirms that the owner is under the care of a licensed mental health provider, and the animal is considered an emotional support animal. Without an ESA housing letter, federal and state laws protecting ESAs do not apply.
Want to know if you qualify for an ESA? We can connect you with a licensed therapist online for your ESA letter consultation.
Start your 2 minute assessmentWho can write an ESA letter?
Due to the significance of an ESA housing letter, only a legitimate licensed mental health professional can write one. A few examples of licensed providers who can write ESA letters are:
- Licensed Psychologist
- Licensed Social Worker
- Licensed Advanced Nurse Practitioners
- A Physician or Psychiatrist (Doctor)
The mental health provider issuing the ESA letter must also be licensed within the state where the ESA owner resides.
Do I have to tell my landlord I have an emotional support animal?
Once you have your ESA housing letter in hand and you find your dream apartment, you might wonder, “Do I have to tell the landlord about my ESA?” On the whole, transparency is always best. You’ll want to ensure a continuing relationship with your landlord, so maintaining their trust is vital.
With a valid emotional support animal letter, the law is on your side. However, remaining honest about your ESA from the start can prevent misunderstandings and give your landlord time to make the appropriate accommodations for your stay. That said, you can sign your lease first, then present your ESA housing letter afterward.
Can a Landlord Ask for More Proof?
Your health status is private information, and a landlord is prohibited from infringing by inquiring about your medical or psychological condition. Legally, a landlord is not allowed to contact the mental healthcare professional issuing the ESA letter without consent. Overall, the ESA housing letter itself serves as proof that a landlord must follow the FHA law.
Can My Landlord Charge Extra Fees for an ESA?
Any fees or rules regarding pets do not apply to an ESA. Furthermore, there should not be any extra charges for the presence of an emotional support animal. Security deposits or cleaning fees that apply directly to pets are against the law when it comes to ESA.
What Can I Do if I’m Denied Housing Because of My Emotional Support Animal?
Most landlords are aware of the FHA laws surrounding emotional support animals and are happy to oblige. There are some instances when a housing provider can deny an ESA. If the emotional support animal proves to be a danger to others or causes the landlord undue financial hardship, the landlord may be able to refuse an ESA. The following are other examples of situations where a housing provider can turn an ESA away:
- The rental is a single-family home that was rented without the assistance of a realtor.
- If the landlord lives in a unit and the structure has 4 units or less.
If your housing provider initially refuses to honor your ESA housing letter, respond by educating them. They may not be aware of the laws regarding emotional support animals, and housing. When education isn’t enough, and you feel you may have been discriminated against because of your disability, you can choose to file a complaint with HUD.
Choose the Right Apartment
Although the FHA laws prohibit discrimination, you do want to find an apartment that you and your emotional support animal will find comfortable. A Saint Bernard dog, for example, may feel cramped in a 300-foot studio apartment, no matter how modern and updated the condo looks. Finding an apartment that meets both of your needs will ensure a long and happy stay. When you come upon the perfect apartment, have your ESA housing letter in hand and be prepared!
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