Do You Have to Pay a Pet Deposit for an ESA?
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are animals that provide comfort and emotional support to people with disabilities. They are not considered to be pets, and therefore, there are some special rules that apply to them. One of these rules is that landlords cannot charge a pet deposit for an ESA.
What is an ESA?
An ESA is an animal that has been trained to provide emotional support to a person with a disability. ESAs can be any type of animal, but they are most commonly dogs or cats. To qualify as an ESA, the animal must be able to perform tasks that help the person with their disability. For example, an ESA might help a person with anxiety by providing comfort and companionship. Or, an ESA might help a person with depression by providing motivation and encouragement.
What are the laws that protect ESAs?
There are two main laws that protect ESAs: the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). The FHA prohibits landlords from discriminating against tenants with disabilities. This includes refusing to rent to a tenant with an ESA or charging a pet deposit for an ESA. The ACAA prohibits airlines from discriminating against passengers with disabilities. This includes refusing to allow a passenger to travel with their ESA or charging a pet fee for an ESA.
Do I have to pay a pet deposit for my ESA?
No, you should not have to pay a pet deposit for your ESA. Landlords are prohibited from charging a pet deposit for ESAs under the Fair Housing Act. If you are being asked to pay a pet deposit for your ESA, you should contact your local housing authority. You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
What if my landlord refuses to accommodate my ESA?
If your landlord refuses to accommodate your ESA, you can take the following steps:
- Contact your local housing authority.
- File a complaint with HUD.
- File a lawsuit against your landlord.
You should not have to pay a pet deposit for your ESA. If you are being asked to pay a pet deposit, you should contact your local housing authority or file a complaint with HUD.
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