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.