ESA Housing Support with Dr. Tasha Holland-Kornegay- Intro

This section is designed for anyone seeking clarity around emotional support animals and housing rights. Whether you’re signing a new lease, facing restrictions, or just learning what ESA protection includes—this is your guide.

📅 Updated Weekly
Fresh insights, tools, and resources are added every Wednesday. From applying for accommodations to navigating landlord pushback, you’ll find grounded, transparent guidance that keeps you—and your ESA—at the center.

🎧 Click below to hear a short welcome message from Dr. Tasha Holland-Kornegay.

The Fee Fight

Pet rent, deposits, cleaning fees—landlords love tacking on costs. But here’s the key: if your animal is an ESA, those extra charges don’t fly.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords from adding fees tied to your ESA. They can charge tenants for real damages (chewed doors, scratched floors), but not for the possibility of damage.

That means no monthly pet rent, no “nonrefundable deposits,” no made-up cleaning costs. If they’re asking, it’s not legal—it’s leverage.

Pro tip: keep your ESA letter current and file communications in writing. If pushback escalates, HUD offers complaint channels designed for cases like this.

Bottom line: An ESA is healthcare, not a hobby. You don’t pay extra to bring medication into your home—your support animal is no different.

What Landlords Don’t Want You to Know

Because your pet isn’t just a roommate—it’s a lifeline.

1. The Law in Plain English

Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords have to make “reasonable accommodations” for tenants with ESAs. Translation: your pup doesn’t count as a “pet” when your doctor says it’s part of your treatment. (Yes, that means no pet rent, no breed bans, no weight limits.)

2. Paperwork ≠ Red Tape

An ESA letter isn’t a shopping coupon you print online — it’s a legit mental health document. If your provider knows your history, you’re good. If a website promises instant approval in 2 minutes? 🚩 Your landlord will spot that faster than your cat spots a sunbeam.

3. The 30+ Reality Check

Adulting twist: Landlords may push back anyway. Some request “forms” or give you the side-eye. Here’s the bottom line: HUD guidelines back you up. Keep your letter on file, and don’t fold just because someone threatens extra fees.

4. The Win-Win

For you: reduced anxiety, stability, a healthier living environment.
For your ESA: porch naps, fewer moves, a place that actually feels like home.

Bottom Line

Housing with your ESA isn’t a luxury — it’s your right. You wouldn’t pay extra to bring your glasses or medication into an apartment. Same goes for your dog, cat, or rabbit.

Can a Bearded Dragon Be an ESA? Housing Rights You Should Know

When most people think of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), dogs and cats usually come to mind. But for many people, the quiet companionship of a bearded dragon can be just as powerful. These gentle reptiles offer a calming presence, a steady routine of care, and even moments of curiosity and connection that help reduce loneliness and stress.

Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), ESAs aren’t limited to traditional pets. If your licensed mental health provider has recommended your bearded dragon as an ESA, housing providers must make reasonable accommodations—even in communities with strict “no-pet” policies or exotic pet restrictions. This means:

  • No extra pet fees or deposits. Your bearded dragon, as an ESA, cannot be subject to additional charges.

  • Exempt from pet bans. Landlords who say “no reptiles” cannot enforce this rule if your ESA is properly documented.

  • Reasonable housing adjustments. You may be allowed special enclosures or heat lamps, provided safety guidelines are met.

Of course, housing providers can ask for a valid ESA letter (not an online certificate). The letter must come from a licensed mental health professional who has evaluated your needs.

If you’re new to caring for a bearded dragon—or want to make sure your ESA thrives in a home setting—I recommend The Bearded Dragon Manual, 3rd Edition. It’s a comprehensive guide that covers everything from proper housing and diet to enrichment ideas that can make life better for both you and your ESA.

Having an ESA isn’t just about housing rights—it’s about daily companionship and building routines that support your mental health. With the right knowledge and support, even a scaly friend like a bearded dragon can make your home feel more grounded and connected.

Unheard Of: Your ESA Has More Housing Rights Than You Think

ESA Housing | Dr. Tasha Holland-Kornegay

Did you know your Emotional Support Animal may actually have more protection in housing than you do?

That’s right — under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make “reasonable accommodations” for ESAs, even in buildings with strict no-pet policies. What’s unheard of is how far this can go:

  • 🐾 Breed restrictions? Landlords can’t use them against your ESA.

  • 🐾 Pet deposits or “pet rent”? Not allowed.

  • 🐾 Even if a lease says “no animals,” an ESA letter changes the game.

The catch? It has to be documented properly. Too many pet parents rely on vague or incomplete letters — and that’s when requests get denied.

Here at TashaGuru, I break it down in simple terms: what works, what doesn’t, and how to advocate for yourself with confidence. Because your ESA isn’t just a pet — they’re part of your wellness.

Can Emotional Support Animals Fly? What You Need to Know

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide comfort, grounding, and stability to their owners. But when it comes to air travel, the rules have changed in recent years — and many ESA owners are left wondering what’s still possible.

ESAs and the DOT Rule Change

In 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued new regulations that reshaped how airlines handle ESAs. Under this update to the Air Carrier Access Act, emotional support animals are no longer guaranteed in-flight access. Only trained service animals are protected under federal law.

This means that on most U.S. airlines, your ESA will be treated like a regular pet, subject to carrier fees and restrictions.

Airline Policies Today

Since the DOT handed the decision back to the airlines, policies now vary:

  • Major U.S. airlines (like American, Delta, and United) no longer make exceptions for ESAs — they must fly as pets.

  • Some international carriers still allow ESAs in cabin with proper documentation. Requirements typically include a recent ESA letter and advance notice before travel.

If you’re planning to travel, it’s always best to check your airline’s official policy page before booking.

Flying vs. Housing Protections

It’s important to understand the difference between travel law and housing law for ESAs:

  • Flights: No federal protection — ESAs are treated like pets unless an airline voluntarily accepts them.

  • Housing: ESAs are still fully protected under the Fair Housing Act. With a valid ESA letter, landlords must provide accommodations, even in “no pet” housing.

So while flying has become more complicated, your housing rights remain strong.

Preparing to Fly With Your ESA

If your chosen airline accepts ESAs (or if you’re flying internationally), here’s what you’ll need:

  1. A valid ESA letter, issued by a licensed mental health professional within the past year.

  2. Advance coordination with your airline — most require at least 48–72 hours’ notice.

  3. Flexibility: If your airline doesn’t accept ESAs, be prepared to follow pet travel rules, including carrier sizing and fees.

Quick Comparison

AspectESA & Air TravelESA & HousingLegal ProtectionNone under U.S. law (since 2021 DOT rule)Protected under the Fair Housing ActAirline PoliciesAirline discretion; mostly petsLandlords must accommodate with ESA letterDocumentationESA letter may help on some carriersESA letter is requiredCosts/FeesLikely pet fees applyNo fees or breed restrictions allowed

Do I Need an ESA Certificate or a Letter for Housing?

If you’re trying to secure housing with your emotional support animal (ESA), it’s important to understand the difference between an ESA letter and the many “certificates” or “registrations” floating around the internet.

🔍 Here’s the truth:
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords are legally required to consider a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. Certificates, vests, or ID cards are not required—and often not even recognized. These extras can be misleading and are usually sold online without a proper evaluation.

A legitimate ESA letter confirms that:

  • You have a qualifying mental health condition, and

  • Your animal helps alleviate symptoms related to that condition.

This letter must be issued after an evaluation by a licensed provider (like myself), and it should include their license details, contact information, and signature.

🏡 Reminder: Your ESA letter gives you rights—but doesn’t make your pet a service animal. You still need to follow house rules like noise and cleanliness.

At TashaGuru.com, our ESA letters are backed by clinical assessments, not quick click-and-pay promises. If you’re unsure what you need, feel free to ask. We're here to help you (and your animal) feel at home.