When Can A Landlord Legally Reject An Emotional Support Animal?

Table of Contents

Can a Landlord Deny an Emotional Support Animal?
When Can a Landlord Legally Reject an ESA?
Is It Illegal To Deny an ESA?
When Can a Landlord Legally Reject an ESA Bottom Line

Can a Landlord Deny an Emotional Support Animal?

Yes, landlords can deny emotional support animals, but only under specific circumstances. Having a no pet-policy is not a valid reason, but there are a few scenarios where a landlord could rightfully deny an emotional support animal.

The most common circumstances under which a landlord can legally reject an emotional support animal are if the animal is dangerous or if the request for the ESA is unreasonable. The definition of “reasonable” in this instance means that the animal is well cared for and does not infringe on the rights of other tenants. But here 

Here is a look at when landlords can legally reject an ESA.

When Can a Landlord Legally Reject an ESA?

1. When the Pet is Dangerous
2. If the Pet Can Cause Allergies
3. Housing the Animal is Physically Unreasonable
4. Your ESA Letter is Out of Date

1. The Pet is Dangerous

The most common reason a landlord can legally reject an ESA is that the animal is dangerous. Specifically, when an emotional support animal has a history of attacking other people or exhibiting behavior that is a threat to others, the landlord may deny the request.

2. Allergies

Another instance for which a landlord can legally reject an emergency service animal is allergies. If the landlord or someone else in the building is allergic to a particular type of pet, this would be considered infringing on the rights of others and may be grounds for denial.

3. Housing the Animal is Physically Unreasonable 

If your ESA requires special accommodations that are not realistic for the building, the landlord may deny your request. For instance, if your ESA is a miniature horse, you may have difficulty renting.

4. Your ESA Letter is Out of Date

If it’s been more than a year since you’ve obtained your ESA letter or the doctor's contact info who wrote it is not up to date, your landlord may require you to renew it. If you refuse or cannot get it updated, your ESA may be denied.

Is It Illegal To Deny an ESA?

Yes, it is illegal to deny an ESA unless the landlord has a valid reason. According to the Fair Housing Act, landlords and property managers must make reasonable accommodations for those who have a certified disability.

Many landlords will require an ESA letter, which is an official document drafted by a doctor or mental health professional that certifies the owner’s mental illness and the need for an emotional support animal. But there are circumstances when the request to house an emotional support animal may be deemed unreasonable, which means the landlord can deny the request. 

When Can a Landlord Legally Reject an ESA Bottom Line

The bottom line is that landlords cannot reject an ESA without a valid reason. However, there are specific times when landlords can deny an emotional support animal, for example, if the animal poses some sort of threat or could do damage to the property. But if a landlord tries to deny an emotional support animal because they don't want pets in the building, that is illegal.