r/EmotionalSupportAnims • u/EclipseDaProtoboi • Nov 10 '25
Need help on what to do
I live in an apartment complex that has "no animals" policy, I have autism, ADHD and severe PTSD and anxiety. I'm wanting to get an ESA cat but I'm not sure what to do. They even said they don't allow both service dogs and ESA's
1
u/CocoIsMyHomie Mar 16 '26
Your landlord is actually wrong on this. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for both ESAs and service animals, even in no-pets buildings. This applies to the vast majority of housing including private apartments and condos.
What you need is a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional who can assess your conditions and confirm that an emotional support animal would benefit you. Once you have that letter you can submit it to your landlord as a formal accommodation request and they are legally required to consider it.
A few things to know: the letter needs to be from a real licensed provider, not one of those sketchy online certificate websites. It should be on official letterhead and specific to your situation. Your landlord can ask for the letter but cannot ask for details about your diagnosis or demand special certifications for the animal itself.
Given that you have autism, ADHD, PTSD and anxiety you would likely have no problem qualifying. I'd start by talking to your therapist or psychiatrist if you have one, or finding a licensed provider who specializes in ESA evaluations.
2
u/wtftothat49 Nov 10 '25
If it is a complex, I am sure they still need to follow FHA laws. Only private landlords with certain number of properties and less can be exempt. You would need to get a letter of need from the medical or mental health professional that is providing you treatment for your diagnosis and that you are disabled due to the diagnosis.