Searching for housing when you come back to school – whether in the dorm or off-campus – can be a stressful process, especially if you are someone who has an emotional support animal (ESA) because of a disability. An ESA is an animal that provides emotional support that alleviates symptoms or effects of a disability. One example could be a cat whose presence reduces the symptoms of depression or anxiety in their owner. While any animal can be an assistance animal (as long as it is both necessary and reasonable), the majority are dogs or cats. These animals play an important role in the lives of many who rely on their support, but many tenants unfortunately still experience hardship and discrimination when looking for housing with an ESA.

Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers are required to make reasonable and necessary accommodations for people with disabilities, which includes allowing a service animal or emotional support animal even if they usually have a no pets policy or other restrictions on animals. Housing providers are not allowed to charge a pet fee or pet deposit, or to enforce breed or size restrictions, for a service or emotional support animal. Unfortunately, GNOFHAC still frequently sees individuals with ESAs being denied housing outright, being required to pay large pet fees or deposits, or even being mocked by housing providers who question their disability and if they really need an ESA. A housing provider must accept a letter from a doctor, psychiatrist, social worker, or similar provider who is familiar with the disability and the support that the animal provides as proof of the need for an assistance animal.

Whether you are moving into a dorm or an apartment, if your housing provider has denied your request for an accommodation due to a disability, such as allowing you to have an emotional support animal, call the GNO Fair Housing Action Center at (504) 596-2100. Help is free and confidential.