Technically: No, it’s not essential.But: It’s still probably a better idea to disclose. Renters with emotional support animals (ESA) often face a quandary when signing a new lease, especially if they are moving to a no-pets building. Even though ESA owners are protected aga [...]
Background: In the ESA guidelines from 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing specifically approved the use of online providers to qualify for ESA letters. What matters: As long as your ESA letter comes from a qualified licensed healthcare professional, it does not matter whether y [...]
The Beehive State is a great place to live for pets and people. A Gallup Poll over a decade ago once placed Utah as the “Best Place to Live in the Future.” Presently, the designation has proven to be true. Utah is known for its natural beauty, safe living environments, and strong [...]
If you and your Licensed Mental Health Provider (LMHP) have determined that an emotional support animal (ESA) can help with the symptoms of your mental illness (such as anxiety or depression), you may be wondering about what rights you have. Having an ESA provides major perks, su [...]
This article was last updated on October 20, 2023, to reflect the updates in ESA regulations Understanding the laws surrounding emotional support animals (ESA) can be tricky. Is an ESA a pet, or is it a service animal? The truth is that an ESA falls somewhere in between, which me [...]
The short answer: Likely no, but there are times when a landlord can properly deny housing for a tenant’s ESA even if the tenant has an ESA letter. Example: a landlord can legally reject an ESA if the animal has caused significant property damage or there is evidence the animal i [...]
What does it mean? Some landlords do not have to comply with federal emotional support animal rules. The “Mrs. Murphy” exception exempts owner-occupied buildings with 4 or less units. An owner-occupied building may also be known as a live-in landlord. Where did it come from? "Mrs [...]
When to disclose: You are allowed to inform the landlord before or after you actually move in. It is not unusual for tenants to qualify for an ESA after signing a lease and moving in. Under HUD guidelines, landlords should consider a tenant’s ESA accommodation request no matter w [...]
You may have asked your doctor or therapist whether an emotional support animal is right for you. And, disappointingly, you may not have received the help you were expecting. An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal recommended by a licensed healthcare professional for a pe [...]
No. Owners of emotional support animals do not have to pay pet deposits. ESA owners also do not have to pay any monthly pet fees. Did you pay a pet deposit when you moved in but later qualified for an emotional support animal? You may be entitled to a refund of the pet deposit. L [...]