Do You Have To Disclose an ESA on a Rental Application? (Read This Before You Sign The Lease)

When it comes to renting with an emotional support animal (ESA), things can get murky. Is honesty always the best policy? Or can you keep that ESA status under wraps?

It’s a classic renter’s riddle—do you have to disclose an ESA on rental application forms, or is your furry sidekick considered classified information?

The good news? You don’t have to wade through a 20-page legal document to find out. We’re here to untangle the rules without ruffling feathers—or fur. Whether you’re worried about pet policies or picky landlords, this guide will help you move forward with confidence.

The Difference Between ESAs and Pets in Housing

The federal law separating an ESA from a pet is the Fair Housing Act (FHA) of 1968, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The FHA prohibits housing discrimination against people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions who need an ESA as part of their treatment.

Under the FHA, an ESA isn’t considered a pet but a medical prescription, and landlords, property managers, and homeowners associations are required to make “reasonable accommodations” to allow them on the premises.

For example, if a building typically bans pets or restricts certain animal breeds, they must make an exception to the rule to let you live with your ESA. Additionally, landlords can’t charge extra pet rent, fees, or deposits for an ESA (though they can still hold you responsible for any property damage).

Keep in mind, the FHA protections only apply to housing situations, which means ESAs can’t accompany you in most public places (parks, restaurants, schools, etc.) that otherwise prohibit animals. This differentiates them from service animals, which are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and can access most places their owners can.

Do You Have To Tell Your Landlord About Your ESA on Your Rental Application?

No. You’re not legally required to disclose your emotional support animal on your initial rental application.

Even if the property requires an upfront disclosure of pets, such applications don’t apply to ESAs, since they’re not pets. You can leave the “pets” section blank or clarify later. Many renters hold off mentioning their ESA at this stage to avoid potential bias (even though it’s illegal) during the screening process.

However, you are required to tell your landlord about an ESA before your companion actually moves in. Landlords have the right to request and verify documentation for your ESA, specifically a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) (like a psychiatrist, therapist, or primary care physician). They can also reject invalid documentation or animals that would create an undue hardship on the property.

In fact, not disclosing your ESA at all could lead to serious complications down the road. If your landlord discovers an undisclosed animal living in the unit, it can backfire in several ways:

• Trust issues—Springing an ESA on a landlord may make them feel deceived, and they might be less flexible later (e.g., when approving unit upgrades or lease modifications)
• Legal complications—Hiding your ESA could give the landlord grounds to claim lease violations (e.g., if the lease specifically asks whether you have any “animals” rather than just “pets”)
• Eviction risk—In extreme cases, a landlord might pursue eviction for dishonesty (even if they’d have happily approved the ESA had you been upfront)

Can Your Landlord Deny Your ESA Request?

Landlords can’t reject ESA requests willy-nilly because federal law prohibits them from doing so. They can only deny you in very specific situations when:

• Your ESA documentation is fraudulent or doesn’t meet legal requirements
• They have evidence showing your animal’s past aggressive behavior (e.g., biting or attacking other tenants)
• Your ESA causes severe property damage beyond normal wear and tear (minor scratches or occasional accidents aren’t enough)
• Your ESA would cause undue financial or administrative burden on the property (like trying to fit an adult horse in a 200 sq. ft. studio apartment)
• The property isn’t covered under the FHA (e.g., owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, single-family homes rented without a broker)

When To Tell a Landlord About Your ESA (And Why It Matters)

Your request to live with your ESA is separate from the standard rental application process, and you have the right to request this accommodation at any point in the rental process:

1. During the initial application paperwork
2. After you’ve been approved
3. Even after you’ve moved in and started unpacking your mountain of cardboard boxes

Some renters prefer to wait until their application is approved but before signing the lease—this way, you secure the rental first while still giving the landlord adequate notice. Others choose to mention their ESA earlier in the process, particularly if they want full transparency from the start. 

The best approach is to be upfront as soon as you know you’ll be bringing an ESA into your home—ideally right after you receive your ESA letter. 

Letting your landlord know early sets a foundation of trust and transparency. It gives your landlord time to:

• Review your paperwork
• Ask any questions
• Make necessary arrangements

That way, you can focus on settling in with your four-legged roommate instead of putting out fires with your landlord. While you’re completely within your rights to wait until after the lease signing or even after moving in, some landlords may feel blindsided, which could lead to tension or even disputes.

If you’re worried that early disclosure might lead to discrimination, remember that housing laws are on your side, and the landlord could face serious consequences and hefty fines if they deny you housing because of your ESA.

Tips on Handling Potential Pushback by Landlords

Even with a rock-solid ESA letter in hand, you might find your landlord raising an eyebrow. They might make various excuses, either because they’re genuinely unfamiliar with the law or because they just want to enforce their pet policies. Here are some common ones and why they don’t fly:

If your landlord is still digging in their heels after you’ve addressed their concerns, it’s time to put your foot down. Ask for their denial in writing, and let them know you’ll be filing a formal HUD complaint. Most landlords will start singing a different tune once they realize you know your rights and aren’t afraid to use them.

The #1 Way To Avoid Housing Troubles—The Right ESA Paperwork

Most rental headaches for ESA owners come down to one simple thing—bad paperwork.

The internet is crawling with scammy sites selling cheap ESA certifications, registration numbers, fancy IDs, or even shiny gold-embossed licenses. These documents are not just insufficient—they’re outright useless when it comes to securing your ESA’s legal protections in housing.

HUD’s guidance is crystal clear—the only documentation that matters is a legitimate ESA letter issued by an LMHP in your state. Your ESA letter should include the following details:

• The professional’s National Provider Identification number, license number, contact info, and signature
• A general statement of your mental or emotional health condition recognized by the DSM-5-TR (no need for details)
• A professional recommendation of an ESA as part of your treatment plan
• Request for reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act

If you’re looking for an easy, stress-free way to get an ESA letter that checks all the legal boxes and keeps troubles with landlords at bay, Your Service Animal is a fantastic option.

How To Get an ESA Letter With Your Service Animal

With a professional network of LMHPs across the country and a process that ensures full compliance with federal and state housing requirements, Your Service Animal helps you get a 100% legit ESA letter in no time.

You can start the process by taking YSA’s free, 3-minute online quiz. This quick screening helps YSA understand your needs and eligibility, and match you with a vetted LMHP in your state that suits your specific requirements.

The quiz also gives you a sneak peek at the kinds of questions you’ll answer during your actual consultation, so you know exactly what to expect—no surprises, just smooth sailing (or tail-wagging).

Besides the free no-obligation quiz, here’s what else you get with Your Service Animal:

Get Your ESA Letter ASAP

With Your Service Animal, you skip the headaches, dodge the scams, and get the documentation you need to keep your cuddly friend by your side—no leash required. Here’s how to get started:

1. Find out if you’re a good fit for an ESA letter with our online quiz
2. Schedule an online appointment with a licensed mental health practitioner in your state
3. Attend the online call and receive your ESA letter if clinically appropriate
4. Receive a full refund if the therapist doesn’t issue an ESA letter or your landlord rejects your letter