Do ESAs Count as Pets?
Allowing pets in your rental can rack up thousands of dollars in extra income and shorten your vacancy cycle – but what about housing other creatures, like emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals?
This ebook explains everything landlords must know to follow the law and increase your bottom line.
Can you charge pet rent for an emotional support animal?
This ebook answers that question and teaches you how to:
We explain pet rent, deposits, and fees so you earn more.
Feel confident in your Fair Housing Act and ADA compliance.
Emotional Support Animal and Pet FAQs
Define emotional support animal.
An emotional support animal aids their owner’s mental health and should be prescribed by a healthcare provider like a therapist.
Can you have two emotional support animals?
There is no limit to how many properly registered ESAs a person can have, but be sure to ask for an ESA Housing Letter for each animal.
Can you charge extra rent for an emotional support animal?
No, you can’t charge any additional fees or deposits for an emotional support animal.
Are ESAs service animals?
No, ESAs are different than service animals. Service animals must have specific training to support their owner’s disability; emotional support animals provide mental support without such training.
Are ESAs pets?
No, ESAs are not pets. ESAs have special protections granted by the Fair Housing Act while pets do not. Landlords can ban pets from rentals, but properly registered ESAs must always be allowed.
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Additional Resources
9 min read
Emotional Support Animal Laws for Rentals: What You Need to Know
Understand ESA laws in rental contexts. Are they pets or service animals? The answer lies somewhere in between.
9 min read
Pet Fees, Pet Rent, and What You Need to Know About Pet Policies
Landlords, want to boost income and sidestep evictions? A sound pet policy is your answer. Dive into our guide to develop an...
9 min read
A Landlord and Tenant’s Guide to Pet Screenings: How to Create a Pet Resume
Pet screenings can help landlords feel more confident about renting to non-human tenants.
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