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How do I tell my landlord about an emotional support animal?
As an ESA owner, you must provide your landlord with a legitimate ESA Letter for Housing or an emotional support animal letter. This is the only legal document that you must provide your landlord without. You do not need to disclose medical records or further certification for your ESA.
How do I send my landlord an ESA letter?
Dear [Landlord’s Name], In accordance with the Fair Housing Act, I am writing to request reasonable accommodation for my support animal, which will reside with me within my rental at [Rental Address]. I have a disability and, as such, require full-time assistance from this animal.
Do landlords verify ESA letters?
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.
Can you be denied a rental with an ESA?
Under the laws of the FHA, landlords cannot legally deny emotional support animals unless they are completely unreasonable. They can’t deny housing to a person with any sort of disability, either mental, emotional, or physical. They are required by law to make reasonable accommodations for ESAs.
Do ESA letters expire?
The ESA letter you receive for Housing has no expiration date and is valid for the full term of your lease or ownership.
Does an ESA letter waive pet fees?
Following Federal Fair Housing Laws, any emotional support animal must be exempt from pet fees. An ESA letter from a legitimate, licensed health professional states that you need your support animal for your disability, and that you qualify under the FHA.
When can a landlord legally reject an ESA in California?
A landlord or other housing provider may deny a request to keep a service dog, psychiatric service dog, or support animal in California as a reasonable accommodation if the specific animal: poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or. would cause substantial physical damage to the property of others.
Is an ESA considered a pet?
Emotional support dogs (ESAs) are pets and not service dogs. Mental health professionals prescribe emotional support animals under the law. Airlines are no longer required to accommodate emotional support animals.
How do Apartments Check ESA letters?
Can a landlord verify the emotional support animal letter? Landlords are more than welcome to verify an ESA letter. The letters should come on the professional letterhead of the mental health professional and should include their contact information, phone number, and email address.
What makes an ESA letter valid?
For an ESA letter to be legitimate, it has to be written and signed by a licensed mental health professional. An ESA letter may also be signed by a healthcare professional such as a psychiatrist or doctor. The letter itself must be printed on the licensed professional’s letterhead.
How do I prove my emotional support dog?
Any size or breed of dog with general good behavior has the potential to become an emotional support dog. To make it official, you must receive an ESA letter from a licensed therapist certifying that you have a mental health condition that is improved by the presence of your pet.
Can an ESA be denied due to breed?
TLDR: Your assistance animal (service animal or emotional support dog) cannot be denied based on breed, size, or weight.
Can landlords legally say no pets?
Landlords can no longer issue a blanket ban on tenants having pets. Instead, under the government issued model tenancy agreement, the default position on rental property and pets is that a landlord will rent to tenants with pets. The landlord has to provide a good reason for their objection to a pet.
Can I get an ESA after I move in?
You can expect to follow the same process if you get an ESA after you’ve already moved into an apartment. Simply show them your ESA letter, and they’re required by law to accept your emotional support animal.
Is there a weight limit on ESA?
Can my landlord enforce weight restrictions? (NO) A landlord cannot place a weight restriction on an ESA, but it must be reasonable. This means a horse cannot be your ESA in your apartment, but a 50 pound dog can live in an under 35 pound weight limit apartment.
Can you have more than 1 ESA animal?
You can have as many ESAs as you need. There are no rules or guidelines saying you can only have a certain number of emotional support animals. We base our ESA guidance on the four most authoritative sources: The Federal Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)Jan 26, 2022.
Do ESA letters cost money?
The cost of an ESA letter can vary depending on which organization you go with. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $150 for complete assessment.
Can landlord charge pet deposit for ESA?
Federal Laws Landlords may not charge the tenant extra “pet” rent or “pet” security deposit for a service or emotional support animal. Landlords may not apply other “pet policy” rules like breed or weight restrictions to service or emotional support animals.
Can my landlord kick me out for having a dog?
New rules mean landlords can no longer automatically ban tenants from having pets in their property. The move marks a breakthrough for many tenants who currently face eviction for bringing animals into their home.
How do I not pay pet rent?
If you want to avoid paying pet rent, you can off-fur to pay a larger pet deposit (so you can get your money back if no damage is incurred and your landlord still has a way to pay for any damages that do occur). You can also offer to sign a longer lease (the less time your unit is vacant, the better for your landlord).
