Use Case
If your landlord pushes back
Most requests go through cleanly once a landlord sees a legitimate letter. If yours doesn't, here's exactly what to do next: a response you can send today, and the federal complaint process behind it.
Step 1: Send a written response
A written reply citing the Fair Housing Act carries more weight than a phone call, and gives you a paper trail if this goes further. Fill in the brackets and send it by email so there's a timestamp.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Date] [Landlord / Property Manager Name] [Property Address] Re: Reasonable Accommodation Request for an Emotional Support Animal Dear [Landlord / Property Manager Name], I am writing regarding my emotional support animal, [Pet's Name], for whom I provided a letter from a licensed [clinician's credential, e.g. LCSW/LMFT] dated [Letter Date]. Under the federal Fair Housing Act, I am entitled to a reasonable accommodation to keep my emotional support animal in my housing, regardless of any "no pets" policy, and without being charged a pet deposit or pet rent. My letter documents that I have a disability-related need for this animal. I am requesting that you honor this accommodation. Please let me know within [10] business days if you have any questions or require anything further. Under the FHA, though, you may not require details of my specific diagnosis. If this accommodation is not granted, I intend to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as is my right under federal law. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Phone / Email]
Step 2: If they still refuse, file a HUD complaint
A denial that persists after a written accommodation request is a Fair Housing Act violation you can report directly to the federal government, at no cost to you.
- Go to HUD's official complaint page: hud.gov: file a housing discrimination complaint.
- Have ready: your ESA letter, your written accommodation request (Step 1), and the landlord's response (or lack of one).
- HUD investigates at no cost to you, and you don't need a lawyer to file.
- Keep your letter and order confirmation handy for the HUD complaint. Our money-back guarantee covers our own process, not a landlord's decision; the Guarantee page says what it covers.
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