ESA ESA - Certified Emotional Support Animal Accommodation Request Procedures Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Can a housing provider charge a pet deposit or pet fee for an approved ESA?

Accepted Answer

No, ESAs are not pets and cannot be subject to pet fees or deposits

Answer

Yes, a standard pet deposit is always allowed

Answer

Only if the deposit is under $200

Answer

Yes, but only for dogs over 25 pounds

Question 2

What happens if a tenant fails to respond to a housing provider's reasonable request for additional ESA documentation?

Accepted Answer

The provider may deny the accommodation request without it being considered a fair housing violation

Answer

The accommodation must still be granted within 30 days

Answer

The tenant can sue immediately for discrimination

Answer

The provider must grant the accommodation by default

Question 3

Which federal agency issues primary guidance on ESA accommodation requests in housing?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Answer

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

Answer

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Answer

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)

Question 4

A housing provider has a strict no-animals policy. Does this policy exempt them from having to consider an ESA accommodation request?

Accepted Answer

No, a no-pets policy does not override fair housing reasonable accommodation requirements

Answer

Yes, a documented no-animals policy is a valid exemption

Answer

Only if the policy was in place before the Fair Housing Act

Answer

Yes, if fewer than four units are in the building

Question 5

What is the purpose of requiring an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional when requesting housing accommodation?

Accepted Answer

To verify that the individual has a disability and a disability-related need for the animal

Answer

To register the animal with the federal government

Answer

To certify the animal has passed a behavioral assessment

Answer

To prove the animal is a specific breed approved by HUD

Question 6

Which of the following would most likely constitute a fraudulent ESA accommodation request?

Accepted Answer

Submitting an ESA letter purchased from an online website with no real clinical evaluation

Answer

Requesting accommodation for a dog in a no-pets building

Answer

Providing an ESA letter dated six months ago

Answer

Requesting accommodation for a cat instead of a dog