Emotional Support Animals: Operational Resources
Overview
Housing providers need to follow a plethora of laws regarding reasonable accommodation requests for emotional support animals. Below are resources to help shed light on the current state of the law as they relate to emotional support animals. Please remember this does not constitute legal or operational advice, and to contact a licensed attorney for advice.
On January 28, 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released new guidance to clarify the responsibilities of both rental housing providers and renters concerning reasonable accommodation requests for emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing. NAA staff has reviewed the guidance and is working with industry experts to update NAA’s ESA products accordingly, including NAA’s ESA Toolkit. In light of the revised guidance, you are strongly advised to consult your legal counsel before taking any action regarding emotional support animal requests.
Member Resources
NAA announces the release of two important, fair housing resources for its members! Listen to the recording to learn more about the 2022 update of the NAA Emotional Support Animal Toolkit. View the presentation slides
NAA Emotional Support Animal Toolkit Now Available! This e-book informs industry professionals on their fair housing obligations related to reasonable accommodations for animals in housing and helps housing providers navigate fraudulent requests for emotional support animals.
NOTE: You must create an account to purchase the toolkits. Click “Sign Up” on the Login Page and select the “Emotional Support Animal and Accessibility” User Group. When prompted to select your company, use the drop down menu to select your local apartment association or select NAA if you are not a member locally. Please be patient with us as NAA staff must approve every account. Our goal is a less than 24-hour turnaround.
NAA and NMHC letter to the Honorable Anna Maria Farias discussing reasonable accommodation requests for emotional support animals. (March 2019)
Additional fair housing resources and information, including the fair housing law and protected classes for all 50 states and their major metro areas.
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