26Aug, 2025
ESA Accommodation Request – Complete Guide for Tenants and Employees

ESA Accommodation Request – Complete Guide for Tenants and Employees

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can provide life-changing benefits for people struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions. But when it comes to living or working with your ESA, you may face challenges from landlords, property managers, or even employers.

That’s where an ESA accommodation request comes in. This is the formal process of asking for legal accommodations to keep your ESA in housing or sometimes at work. If you’re unsure how to make the request, what your rights are, or what documentation you need, this guide explains everything.

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1. What is an ESA Accommodation Request?

An ESA accommodation request is a written or verbal request made by a tenant, student, or employee to a landlord, housing provider, school, or employer. It asks them to make reasonable accommodations so the individual can live or work with their Emotional Support Animal.

In simple terms:
➡️ It’s the official step you take to make sure your ESA is legally recognized and allowed in housing or other environments that normally restrict animals.

2. Legal Protections for ESA Accommodation Requests

Two main federal laws cover ESA accommodation requests:

  1. Fair Housing Act (FHA): Protects tenants with ESAs in housing. Landlords must allow ESAs even in “no-pet” apartments.
  2. Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA): (Until 2021) covered ESAs for flights, but now airlines are only required to accommodate service animals. ESAs may still fly as pets, not as assistance animals.
  3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Generally covers service animals, not ESAs, but workplaces may consider ESA accommodation requests under broader disability accommodation.

3. ESA Accommodation Request in Housing

Most commonly, tenants use ESA accommodation requests in housing situations.

Rights Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA):

  • Landlords must allow ESAs, even in no-pets housing.
  • No pet deposits, pet rent, or breed/size restrictions can be applied to ESAs.
  • Landlords can only deny the request if:
    • The ESA poses a direct threat to others.
    • The ESA would cause substantial property damage.
    • The request creates an undue financial or administrative burden.

4. What Documents Do You Need?

The most important document is a valid ESA letter.

A proper ESA letter should:

  • Be written by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) (therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor).
  • Be on official letterhead with licensing details.
  • State that you have a mental or emotional disability under DSM-5.
  • Explain that the ESA helps alleviate symptoms of your condition.

⚠️ Online instant letters without professional evaluation are often scams. Always use a trusted licensed provider.

5. How to Write an ESA Accommodation Request

Here’s a step-by-step process to submit your request:

Step 1: Prepare Your ESA Letter

Obtain a valid letter from your therapist or LMHP.

Step 2: Write a Formal Request

Your request should include:

  • Your full name and address.
  • The property or workplace you are applying to.
  • A statement requesting accommodation under the FHA (for housing) or ADA (for workplace).
  • A copy of your ESA letter.

Step 3: Submit to the Right Person

  • Housing: Submit to landlord, property manager, or housing association.
  • Workplace: Submit to HR or your direct supervisor.
  • University: Submit to disability services office.

Step 4: Wait for Response

Housing providers must respond within a reasonable timeframe (usually 10–30 days).

6. Sample ESA Accommodation Request Letter

Here’s an example you can adapt:

Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],

I am writing to formally request a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act to live with my Emotional Support Animal. I have a disability-related need for the animal, which helps me manage symptoms of my condition.

Enclosed is a letter from my licensed mental health professional verifying my need for this accommodation. I kindly ask that you waive any pet-related restrictions, deposits, or fees in accordance with the FHA.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please let me know if you need further documentation.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

7. What Happens After You Submit an ESA Accommodation Request?

Once you send your request:

  • The landlord must review it promptly.
  • They may verify authenticity of the ESA letter but cannot demand full medical records.
  • They must approve unless there is a legal exception (threat, damage, or undue burden).

If denied unfairly, you can file a complaint with HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).

8. ESA Accommodation Request in the Workplace

Unlike housing, workplaces are not required to accommodate ESAs under the FHA. However, under the ADA and EEOC guidelines, employees with mental health conditions may request ESA accommodations as part of a disability support plan.

  • Employers may require medical documentation.
  • Approval is not guaranteed—it depends on the job and work environment.
  • Some companies allow ESAs as part of mental health inclusion policies.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Submitting an invalid ESA letter from a fake online provider.
❌ Demanding approval without formal request.
❌ Assuming ESAs have the same rights as service animals (they don’t in public spaces).
❌ Not giving landlords enough time to respond.

10. Final Thoughts on ESA Accommodation Requests

An ESA accommodation request is the key step to living legally with your Emotional Support Animal in housing and, in some cases, work environments. By understanding your rights, preparing a valid ESA letter, and submitting a respectful formal request, you can avoid conflict and protect your housing rights under the Fair Housing Act.

✅ Key Takeaways:

  • ESAs are protected under the FHA for housing.
  • Landlords cannot charge fees or deposits for ESAs.
  • Always use a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed provider.
  • Submit your request in writing and keep records.
  • If denied unlawfully, you can file a HUD complaint.

With the right preparation, your ESA can live with you legally and comfortably—providing the emotional support you need in everyday life.

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”Get Yours Now!

Don’t wait until a landlord or airline tells you “no pets allowed.” Protect your rights today.

Please fill out this form and our team wil contact you ASAP.

Form Link

Complete your assessment in minutes , get approved by a licensed professional, and receive your letter within 24 hours.