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.Jun 20, 2019
Can a landlord deny an ESA letter for housing?
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 landlords have to accept ESA letter?
Because landlords are not obliged to accept emotional support animals when processing your application in the same way they have to with service dogs, you may have to accept that some accommodation may be off limits to you if you do not have documentation or an ESA letter from a licensed therapist.
Can apartments discriminate against ESA?
The FHA ensures that landlords cannot discriminate against tenants who have an ESA that helps them cope with their mental illness. ... That means a landlord is not permitted to charge fees or deposits in connection with an ESA, even though fees and deposits might be charged for normal pets.
Can an apartment deny you for an ESA?
An apartment complex cannot deny an emotional support animal (ESA) that provides support directly relating to a mental or emotional disability of the owner. While emotional support animals are not afforded the same widespread protections as service dogs, housing is an area in which there is legal protections in place.
Can a landlord ignore an ESA letter?
Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, individuals with disabilities have protections from discrimination, including those who require an ESA to function. It states that landlords cannot refuse a potential tenant based solely on their disability and must make reasonable accommodations for them.Jun 6, 2020
How do you tell your apartment you have an ESA?
Once you have notified your landlord, you should also present him/her with your ESA letter from your mental health professional. You may provide an original hard copy of your letter or send your landlord a digital copy via email.