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.