Landlord Rights
Welcome! If you’re a landlord, you’re in the right place. You have some concerns about a new tenant or a future tenant with an Emotional Support Animal Letter from a licensed mental health professional.
Understood.
Therapetic is committed in helping landlords understand their rights and assist you in verifying your tenant’s letter without violating the Fair Housing Act.
The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing.
You’ve been shown an ESA letter--now what?
The first thing you should do is look into the validity of the letter--that’s within your rights. And one way to do so is by knowing the difference between a real ESA letter and a fake one here.
LOOKING FOR AN ESA LETTER? GET STARTED HERE
My tenant’s ESA is a “restricted breed animal” – can they be an ESA?
Can my tenant’s “restricted breed” emotional support dog increase my insurance?
What could happen if I violate the FHA?
What kind of housing does this apply to?
What kind of documentation can I require from the tenant?
The tenant must provide documentation from a physician, psychiatrist, social worker, or other mental health professionals that the animal provides support that alleviates at least one of the identified symptoms or effects of the existing disability.
This requires more than a short note that says this emotional support cat or dog or any other type of animal makes a tenant feel good. Alleviating depression (if depression is a symptom of the mental condition, or the condition itself) is a function of an emotional support animal and should satisfy the requirement.
LOOKING FOR AN ESA LETTER? GET STARTED HERE