Short answer
Often, yes. A court has held that on-campus housing is a dwelling under the Fair Housing Act, and many colleges have policies for assistance animals in campus housing. Check your school's accommodation process; they'll usually ask for your ESA letter.
Campus housing and the Fair Housing Act
In 2013, a federal court held that student housing at the University of Nebraska at Kearney is a "dwelling" under the Fair Housing Act, so the Act's rules against disability discrimination apply to it. The university later settled with the Justice Department and agreed to let students with psychological disabilities keep animals that provide them therapeutic benefits in university housing. Kent State University settled a similar Justice Department case in 2016.
Many colleges now have policies for assistance animals in campus housing. HUD's 2025-2026 changes apply here too, so how a request for an untrained ESA is handled can depend on your school and your state. See ESA laws by state.
What to do
- Find your school's accommodation process: usually the disability services or housing office.
- Ask what they need from you and by when; many schools have deadlines before each term.
- They'll usually ask for your ESA letter. How to get your letter.
If your school has its own form for the professional to complete, email [email protected].
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed: November 13, 2026.
