Can a renter deny an ESA?

Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, individuals with disabilities have protections from discrimination, including those who require an ESA to function. It states that landlords cannot refuse a potential tenant based solely on their disability and must make reasonable accommodations for them.

What do you need to rent an emotional support animal?

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) also does not require owners to provide proof that a service animal has been formally certified, trained, or licensed. Potential tenants applying to rent from you that have an emotional support animal must be able to provide proof that the animal has been prescribed appropriately .

What are the laws on emotional support animals in Michigan?

Under the ADA and Michigan law, owners of public accommodations are not required to allow emotional support animals, only service animals. These laws also don’t apply to pets. Under both Michigan law and the ADA, the definition of public accommodations is very broad.

What does a landlord need to know about an ESA letter?

In most cases, a tenant provides an “Emotional Support Animal Letter” to their landlord as means of demonstrating their disability, and the disability-related need for a support animal. An ESA letter is a signed statement from the tenant’s doctor, psychologist, social worker, or other medical professional or reliable third-party.

What are the rights of tenants in Michigan?

All tenants have certain rights, but tenants with disabilities have unique rights under Michigan and federal law. To learn more about the rights that all tenants have, read Tenant Rights and Responsibilities. What Disabilities Are Protected?

What do you need to rent an apartment with emotional support?

Proof of Emotional Support Animal Need Although the landlord/building owner does have to make reasonable accommodation for the person with an ESA, that person must also provide some information in order to prove their need for an ESA under the Federal Housing Act.

Can a landlord rent an apartment with an emotional support animal?

Under Fair Housing rules, landlords are permitted to request documentation from a renter in order to prove that their animal companion is an actual emotional support animal. There is only one form of documentation that will do the job under Fair Housing Rules: a recommendation letter from a licensed health care professional.

Can a cat be an emotional support animal?

Though people typically think of emotional support animals as cats or dogs, there are actually no specific breed restrictions to qualify. As long as the animal can be reasonably accommodated within the unit and doesn’t cause a disturbance to others, they can be any type of animal species.