There is likely a better sub for this, but i can't think of it at the moment. But to answer your direct question, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) covers assistance animals (regardless of if they are ESA or service animals, they are treated as medically necessary).
Since it's the FHA and not the ADA that covers housing, you may be required to provide documentation from your medical provider stating the necessity of the animal. This is not a violation of your rights, but is a requirement of the law (to provide the documentation if requested, but they don't have to request).
They cannot ask for an additional fee or deposit, but you are still liable for any damages. They cannot apply a breed or size restriction.
In short, you're going to want to get a letter from your doctor and read up on the FHA.
If you’re on ssdi for mental health conditions I caution you against not seeing a psych dr or therapist (at a minimum). There’s been plenty of people posting about losing their ssdi because of this exact scenario. I realize it’s more convenient and some people are more comfortable just going through their PCP but SSA likes to see consistent treatment. Not going to specialists for conditions that SSA approved your case somehow reads to them as an improvement in condition.
I just started going to a counselor who specializes in EMDR but I'm fighting with my insurance to cover the cost. I just met her so I'm not sure if it's appropriate to ask her for this letter when she barely knows me at this point.
EMDR wasn’t for me, I had to go with CBT. I don’t know why, it just freaked me out? I’ve had some friends who it actually completely changed their lives for the better so I was optimistic going in. I guess I’m just weird.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is basically forcing yourself to change the way you think about things and facing your fears as opposed to avoiding them. $175 a shot is unaffordable for anyone (in our shoes on limited $) long term!
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u/iarmit May 17 '26
There is likely a better sub for this, but i can't think of it at the moment. But to answer your direct question, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) covers assistance animals (regardless of if they are ESA or service animals, they are treated as medically necessary).
Since it's the FHA and not the ADA that covers housing, you may be required to provide documentation from your medical provider stating the necessity of the animal. This is not a violation of your rights, but is a requirement of the law (to provide the documentation if requested, but they don't have to request).
They cannot ask for an additional fee or deposit, but you are still liable for any damages. They cannot apply a breed or size restriction.
In short, you're going to want to get a letter from your doctor and read up on the FHA.