Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Regulations and Guidelines for Housing in Pennsylvania
                     ESA Policies and 
Guidelines in 
Housing Settings 
in Pennsylvania
Under the FHA, individuals with disabilities may 
request a reasonable accommodation from their 
housing provider to keep an emotional support 
animal, even if the housing has pet restrictions or a 
"no pets" policy. The housing provider is required to 
make exceptions to their policies if the individual's 
disability necessitates the presence of an ESA. Here 
are some key points to keep in mind:
DISABILITY
To qualify for an ESA as a reasonable 
accommodation, the individual must 
have a disability as defined by law. This 
disability could be a mental health 
condition such as anxiety, depression, or 
PTSD, which requires the presence of an 
emotional support animal for 
therapeutic benefits.
HOUSING 
PROVIDER 
RESPONSIBILITIES
The housing provider (landlord, 
property manager, etc.) is required 
to make reasonable 
accommodations unless it imposes 
an undue burden on them or 
causes a fundamental alteration to 
their policies.
REQUESTING 
ACCOMMODATION
To request an accommodation, the individual 
needs to submit a written request to the 
housing provider, specifically stating that they 
have a disability and require an emotional 
support animal as a reasonable accommodation.
DOCUMENTATION
Housing providers can request documentation 
that verifies the individual's disability and the 
need for an ESA. Typically, a letter from a 
licensed healthcare professional, such as a 
therapist or psychiatrist, is required, stating that 
the individual has a disability and that the 
presence of an ESA is necessary to alleviate 
symptoms or provide support.
PET-RELATED 
REQUIREMENTS  While ESAs are not 
considered pets under the 
FHA, certain rules still apply. 
For example, the ESA must 
be well-behaved and not 
pose a threat to others or 
cause damage to the 
property. The individual is 
responsible for the care, 
supervision, and any 
damages caused by the ESA.
CONTACT US
• +1 (888) 891-1186
• [email protected]
• https://fastesaletter.com/emotional-
support-animal-letter-pennsylvania/