Emotional Support Animal Letter State Laws
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Alabama ESA Laws
Alabama has no state-specific ESA statute beyond federal law. ESA owners in Alabama are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which requires landlords to grant reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals regardless of pet policies or breed restrictions. The Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs general rental relationships but does not address ESAs directly. Alabama has no state-level ESA fraud penalties.
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Alaska ESA Laws
Alaska has no state-specific ESA statute. ESA owners are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), which requires landlords to provide reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals. The Alaska Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03) governs general rental law but does not address ESAs directly. Alaska has no state-level ESA fraud penalties, and all ESA housing disputes are resolved under federal FHA and HUD guidance.
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Arizona ESA Laws
Arizona has specific ESA legislation. ARS §33-1319 imposes penalties for fraudulently misrepresenting an animal as an ESA, including fines up to $250 for a first offense. The Arizona Fair Housing Act mirrors federal FHA protections for ESA owners in housing. Landlords must grant reasonable accommodations for verified ESAs but may request documentation from a licensed health professional. Arizona is one of the stricter states on ESA fraud prevention.
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Arkansas ESA Laws
Arkansas has no state-specific ESA statute. ESA owners are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), which requires landlords to grant reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals. The Arkansas Civil Rights Act prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of disability but does not explicitly address ESAs. Arkansas has no state-level ESA fraud penalties. All ESA housing disputes are resolved under federal law.
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California ESA Laws
California has some of the strongest emotional support animal (ESA) protections in the nation. Under the Fair Housing Act and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for ESA owners, including waiving pet deposits and "no pets" policies. California's landmark AB 468 (2022) created strict requirements for ESA letters, including a 30-day client-provider relationship before issuance, and established penalties for fraudulent ESA documentat...
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Colorado ESA Laws
Colorado has robust ESA protections. HB 21-1271 (2021) strengthened housing protections for ESA owners, established ESA letter standards, and created fraud penalties. The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) prohibits disability-based housing discrimination. Landlords must accept valid ESA documentation and cannot charge pet fees. Misrepresenting an animal as an ESA is a deceptive trade practice subject to civil penalties.
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Connecticut ESA Laws
Connecticut protects ESA owners through state and federal law. CGS §46a-64c prohibits disability-based housing discrimination, and Connecticut has strengthened ESA letter requirements to ensure documentation comes from licensed professionals with a genuine clinical relationship. The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) enforces state fair housing law. Landlords must accommodate verified ESAs without extra fees.
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Delaware ESA Laws
Delaware protects ESA owners through the Delaware Fair Housing Act (6 Del. Code §4601 et seq.) and the federal FHA. The Delaware Division of Human Relations enforces state housing discrimination complaints. Delaware has no specific ESA fraud statute. Landlords must grant reasonable accommodations for verified ESAs without charging pet fees, and tenants must provide documentation from a licensed health care provider.
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Florida ESA Laws
Florida has one of the strongest ESA laws in the country. HB 969 (2020) established comprehensive ESA housing protections and fraud penalties. Misrepresenting an animal as an ESA is a second-degree misdemeanor. ESA letters must come from a licensed Florida provider with a 30-day therapeutic relationship. Landlords may verify documentation and deny fraudulent requests. The Florida Fair Housing Act provides additional state-level protections.
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Georgia ESA Laws
Georgia has no state-specific ESA statute beyond federal law. ESA owners in Georgia are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which requires landlords to grant reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals. The Georgia Fair Housing Act (OCGA §8-3-200 et seq.) prohibits disability-based housing discrimination. Georgia has no state-level ESA fraud penalties. All ESA disputes are governed by federal FHA and HUD guidance.
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Hawaii ESA Laws
Hawaii protects ESA owners through HRS Chapter 515 (fair housing) and the federal FHA. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) enforces state housing discrimination law, including ESA accommodation denials. Hawaii's unique island housing market — with high density, limited rental stock, and strict building rules — makes ESA accommodations particularly important. Hawaii has no specific ESA fraud statute.
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Idaho ESA Laws
Idaho protects emotional support animals (ESAs) primarily through the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), which requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. The Idaho Human Rights Act reinforces housing protections against disability discrimination. Idaho does not have a state-specific ESA statute or ESA fraud law. Landlords may request an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional but cannot charge pet fees or deposits for verified ESAs. Idaho follo...
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Illinois ESA Laws
Illinois provides strong ESA protections through the federal Fair Housing Act and state-level legislation. The Assistance Animal Integrity Act (PA 101-0592, effective 2020) specifically addresses ESA fraud, making it a Class C misdemeanor to misrepresent an animal as an assistance animal or provide fraudulent documentation. The Illinois Human Rights Act further prohibits disability-based housing discrimination. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with verified ESA letters f...
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Indiana ESA Laws
Indiana protects emotional support animals (ESAs) primarily through the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). The Indiana Civil Rights Law (IC 22-9.5) prohibits disability-based housing discrimination and supports reasonable accommodations for ESAs. Indiana does not have a state-specific ESA statute or ESA fraud law. Landlords must waive pet restrictions for tenants with verified ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals but may request documentation when the disability is not apparent.
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Iowa ESA Laws
Iowa protects emotional support animals (ESAs) through the federal Fair Housing Act and the Iowa Civil Rights Act (Iowa Code Chapter 216). The Iowa Civil Rights Commission enforces housing discrimination complaints, including wrongful denial of ESA accommodations. Iowa does not have a state-specific ESA statute or ESA fraud law. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with verified ESA letters but may request documentation when the disability is not readily apparent.
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Kansas ESA Laws
Kansas protects emotional support animals (ESAs) through the federal Fair Housing Act and the Kansas Act Against Discrimination (K.S.A. 44-1015 et seq.). The Kansas Human Rights Commission enforces housing discrimination complaints, including denial of ESA accommodations. Kansas does not have a state-specific ESA statute or ESA fraud law. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with verified ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals but cannot charge pet fees or dep...
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Kentucky ESA Laws
Kentucky protects emotional support animals (ESAs) through the federal Fair Housing Act and the Kentucky Civil Rights Act (KRS Chapter 344). The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights enforces housing discrimination complaints related to ESA denials. Kentucky does not have a state-specific ESA statute or ESA fraud law. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with verified ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals and cannot charge pet fees or deposits for ESAs.
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Louisiana ESA Laws
Louisiana protects emotional support animals (ESAs) through the federal Fair Housing Act and the Louisiana Fair Housing Act (La. R.S. 51:2601 et seq.). The Louisiana Commission on Human Rights investigates housing discrimination complaints, including wrongful denial of ESA accommodations. Louisiana does not have a state-specific ESA statute or ESA fraud law. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with verified ESA letters and cannot charge pet fees or deposits for ESAs.
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Maine
Maine provides strong ESA protections through the federal Fair Housing Act, the Maine Human Rights Act (5 MRSA § 4551 et seq.), and ESA-specific provisions introduced through LD 1552. The Maine Human Rights Commission enforces housing discrimination complaints. Maine law addresses assistance animal documentation standards and restricts landlords from requiring excessive information. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with verified ESA letters and cannot charge pet fees or ...
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Maryland ESA Laws
Maryland protects emotional support animals (ESAs) through the federal Fair Housing Act and the Maryland Fair Housing Act (Md. Code, State Gov't § 20-701 et seq.). The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights enforces housing discrimination complaints, including wrongful denial of ESA accommodations. Maryland does not have a state-specific ESA fraud statute. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with verified ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals and cannot charge ...
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Massachusetts ESA Laws
Massachusetts provides strong ESA protections through the federal Fair Housing Act and Massachusetts Fair Housing Law (MGL c.151B). The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) enforces housing discrimination complaints, including wrongful denial of ESA accommodations. Massachusetts does not have a state-specific ESA fraud statute. MGL c.151B broadly defines disability and provides robust protections for tenants requiring ESAs as reasonable accommodations.
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Michigan ESA Laws
Michigan protects emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the state Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PDCRA). Landlords must grant reasonable accommodations for tenants with ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals. Michigan does not have a standalone ESA statute, but the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and PDCRA together prohibit housing discrimination based on disability. As of the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no longer permitted in ...
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Minnesota ESA Laws
Minnesota protects emotional support animals in housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MN Stat §363A.09). Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters. Minnesota law broadly prohibits disability-based housing discrimination, and ESA accommodations fall under this framework. Minnesota does not have a standalone ESA fraud statute. Under the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no longer covered for air travel under the ACAA.
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Mississippi ESA Laws
Mississippi relies primarily on the federal Fair Housing Act for ESA housing protections, as the state has limited standalone fair housing legislation addressing disability accommodations. Mississippi does not have a specific ESA statute or ESA fraud law. Tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals are protected under the FHA and may request reasonable accommodations from landlords. Under the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no longer covered for air travel.
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Missouri ESA Laws
Missouri protects emotional support animals in housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA, RSMo §213.040). The MHRA prohibits disability-based housing discrimination, and ESA accommodations fall under this framework. Missouri does not have a standalone ESA statute, but tenants with valid ESA letters can request reasonable accommodations. Missouri also has a service animal fraud law. Under the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no longer covered for air travel.
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Montana ESA Laws
Montana protects emotional support animals in housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the Montana Human Rights Act (MCA §49-2-305). The MHRA prohibits disability-based housing discrimination and requires landlords to grant reasonable accommodations, including ESAs. Montana does not have a standalone ESA statute or ESA fraud law. Tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals are entitled to housing accommodations. Under the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no longer cover...
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Nebraska ESA Laws
Nebraska protects emotional support animals in housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the Nebraska Fair Housing Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §20-318). Nebraska also enacted LB 808, which includes provisions for assistance animals in housing, defining documentation requirements and landlord obligations. The law addresses both ESAs and service animals, requiring valid documentation from healthcare providers. Under the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no longer covered for air travel under the ACAA.
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Nevada ESA Laws
Nevada provides strong ESA housing protections through the federal Fair Housing Act, NRS 118.105 (reasonable accommodations), and AB 93 (2023), which specifically addresses emotional support animal documentation and tenant rights. AB 93 defines ESA letter requirements, prohibits landlords from imposing blanket denials, and establishes clear processes for accommodation requests. Nevada also has robust tenant protection laws. Under the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no longer covered for air travel under...
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New Hampshire ESA Laws
New Hampshire protects emotional support animals in housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and RSA 354-A (the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination). RSA 354-A prohibits disability-based housing discrimination and requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations, including ESAs. New Hampshire does not have a standalone ESA statute or ESA fraud law. Tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed professionals are entitled to accommodations. Under the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no longer cov...
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New Jersey ESA Laws
New Jersey provides strong ESA housing protections under the federal Fair Housing Act and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD, N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.). The NJLAD is one of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination statutes in the nation and covers housing, employment, and public accommodations. New Jersey broadly prohibits disability-based housing discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations including ESAs. Under the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no longer covered for air trave...
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New Mexico ESA Laws
New Mexico protects emotional support animals in housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the New Mexico Human Rights Act (NMSA §28-1-7). The NMHRA prohibits disability-based housing discrimination and requires landlords to provide reasonable accommodations, including ESAs. New Mexico does not have a standalone ESA statute or ESA fraud law. Tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals are entitled to housing accommodations. Under the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no l...
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New York ESA Laws
New York provides strong ESA housing protections under the NY Human Rights Law (Executive Law §296) and the federal Fair Housing Act. NYC adds further protections through the NYC Human Rights Law. Landlords must grant reasonable accommodations for ESAs with a valid letter from a licensed mental health professional. No pet deposits or breed restrictions may be applied to ESAs. New York does not have a specific ESA fraud statute, but misrepresentation may be addressed under general fraud laws.
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North Carolina ESA Laws
North Carolina protects ESA owners in housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the NC Fair Housing Act (GS §41A). Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals. NC does not have a specific ESA fraud statute. No pet fees, deposits, or breed restrictions may apply to ESAs. North Carolina follows federal HUD guidance for ESA accommodation requests.
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North Dakota ESA Laws
North Dakota protects ESA owners in housing through the federal Fair Housing Act and the ND Human Rights Act (NDCC Chapter 14-02.4). Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters. North Dakota does not have a specific ESA statute or ESA fraud law. No pet fees, deposits, or breed restrictions may be applied to emotional support animals in housing.
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Ohio ESA Laws
Ohio protects ESA owners in housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the Ohio Civil Rights Act (ORC §4112). Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals. Ohio does not have a specific ESA statute or ESA fraud law. No pet fees, deposits, or breed restrictions may be applied to emotional support animals in covered housing.
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Oklahoma ESA Laws
Oklahoma protects ESA owners in housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act (25 O.S. §1451). Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals. Oklahoma does not have a specific ESA fraud statute. No pet fees, deposits, or breed restrictions may be applied to ESAs in covered housing.
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Oregon ESA Laws
Oregon provides strong ESA housing protections under ORS 659A.143 (assistance animals), the Oregon Fair Housing Act, and the federal FHA. Landlords must accommodate ESAs with valid documentation and may not charge pet deposits or apply breed restrictions. Oregon law specifically addresses assistance animals in housing and prohibits landlords from requiring special certifications. Oregon is among the more tenant-friendly states for ESA rights.
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Pennsylvania ESA Laws
Pennsylvania protects ESA owners in housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (43 P.S. §951). Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals. Pennsylvania does not have a specific ESA fraud statute. No pet fees, deposits, or breed restrictions may be applied to emotional support animals in covered housing.
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Rhode Island ESA Laws
Rhode Island protects ESA owners in housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act (RI Gen. Laws §34-37). Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals. Rhode Island does not have a specific ESA statute or ESA fraud law. No pet fees, deposits, or breed restrictions may apply to ESAs.
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South Carolina ESA Laws
South Carolina protects ESA owners in housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the South Carolina Fair Housing Law (SC Code §31-21-10). Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals. South Carolina does not have a specific ESA fraud statute. No pet fees, deposits, or breed restrictions may be applied to ESAs in covered housing.
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South Dakota ESA Laws
South Dakota provides limited state-level ESA protections, relying primarily on the federal Fair Housing Act for housing rights. The SD Human Relations Act (SDCL Chapter 20-13) prohibits housing discrimination based on disability. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters. South Dakota has no specific ESA statute or ESA fraud law. No pet fees, deposits, or breed restrictions may apply to ESAs.
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Tennessee ESA Laws
Tennessee protects emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing under the Tennessee Human Rights Act and federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals, even in no-pet housing. Tennessee does not have a specific ESA fraud statute, but misrepresentation of a disability or fraudulent documentation may be addressed under general fraud laws. As of the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no longer covered for ...
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Texas ESA Laws
Texas protects emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing under the Texas Fair Housing Act (Texas Property Code §301) and the federal Fair Housing Act. HB 4164 introduced provisions addressing ESA documentation and fraud. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters, including waiving pet fees and no-pet restrictions. Texas has one of the largest rental housing markets in the nation, and ESA protections apply statewide. As of the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no...
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Utah ESA Laws
Utah protects emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing under the Utah Fair Housing Act and the federal Fair Housing Act. In 2023, Utah enacted HB 210, which established specific requirements for ESA letters and imposed penalties for ESA fraud. Under HB 210, ESA letters must come from a healthcare provider with a pre-existing therapeutic relationship of at least 30 days. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA documentation. Fraudulent misrepresentation of a...
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Vermont ESA Laws
Vermont protects emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing under the Vermont Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act (9 V.S.A. §4500 et seq.) and the federal Fair Housing Act. Landlords must grant reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals, including waiving pet restrictions and fees. Vermont does not have a specific ESA fraud statute, but general fraud and misrepresentation laws may apply. As of the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no long...
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Virginia ESA Laws
Virginia protects emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing under the Virginia Fair Housing Law (Va. Code §36-96.1 et seq.) and the federal Fair Housing Act. Virginia enacted SB 1437 (2021) establishing penalties for ESA fraud, and HB 5 (2020) strengthened housing protections. Under Virginia law, misrepresenting a pet as an ESA is a civil violation with fines up to $500. Landlords must grant reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters, including waiving pet restrictions and fe...
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Washington ESA Laws
Washington State protects emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60) and the federal Fair Housing Act. SB 5365 established provisions for assistance animals including documentation standards. Washington has some of the strongest tenant protections in the nation. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters, including waiving pet restrictions and fees. As of the DOT 2021 rule, ESAs are no longer co...
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West Virginia ESA Laws
West Virginia protects emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing under the West Virginia Fair Housing Act (W. Va. Code §5-11A-1 et seq.) and the federal Fair Housing Act. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals, including waiving pet restrictions and fees. West Virginia does not have a specific ESA statute or ESA fraud law, relying primarily on federal FHA protections and HUD guidance. As of the DOT 2021 rule...
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Wisconsin ESA Laws
Wisconsin protects emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing under the Wisconsin Fair Housing Law (Wis. Stat. §106.50) and the federal Fair Housing Act. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals, including waiving pet restrictions and fees. Wisconsin does not have a specific ESA fraud statute, but misrepresentation may be addressed under general fraud laws. Wisconsin law provides strong protections for persons ...
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Wyoming
Wyoming protects emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing primarily under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). Wyoming's Fair Housing Act (Wyo. Stat. §1-21-1101 et seq.) provides additional state-level protections against disability discrimination in housing. Wyoming does not have ESA-specific legislation or an ESA fraud statute. As the least populated state in the nation, Wyoming's rental housing market is smaller but ESA protections apply equally. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodat...
