--- title: "Emotional Support Animals: What Lexington Park Landlords Need to Know" description: "With the number of potential tenants with service animals rises, do you, as a landlord in Lexington Park, have to allow emotional support animals?" url: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/what-lexington-park-landlords-need-to-know-about-emotional-support-animals-661 publisher: Real Property Management Gold phone: +1-301-392-2172 assessment: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment --- # What Lexington Park Landlords Need to Know About Emotional Support Animals MaintenancePublished May 18, 2018Updated July 23, 20242 min read ![A Lexington Park Tenant Moving In to a Rental Home with her Emotional Support Animal](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/media/lexington-park-resident-giving-affection-to-her-golden-retri-9ae743.webp)The first image that typically comes to mind when somebody hears about assistance animals is a dog wearing a red vest guiding a blind person. However, there is a developing trend of emotional support animals. As a [Lexington Park](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/lexington-park-property-management) landlord, do you have to rent to someone with an emotional support animal? First, look at the difference between service and emotional support animals. Service animals protected by the [Americans with Disabilities Act](https://www.ada.gov/) are those exclusively trained to do work, provide assistance, or handle tasks for persons with disabilities. They can also recognize and act upon certain medical conditions. An emotional support animal (ESA) helps somebody who requires emotional or psychological support and is protected by the [Federal Fair Housing Act](https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview). These animals usually have a close, emotional, and supportive bond with their owner. To use the benefits of having an ESA, a resident must obtain a letter from a medical professional, like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker. However, any medical professional can provide it. The letter needs to declare that the animal is necessary and what kind of animal the person has as their ESA. Additionally, a resident requesting more than one ESA must have an individual letter for each animal. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) play a crucial role in assisting individuals with various mental health conditions, including but not limited to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, fear or phobias, panic disorder or panic attacks, mood disorders, personality disorders, seasonal affective disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It’s important to note that the spectrum of conditions ESAs can aid is not confined to this list; any animal can serve as an ESA as long as a licensed mental health professional endorses it through a supporting letter. Unlike traditional service animals, Emotional Support Animals are not required to undergo specific training or possess particular skills. However, they are considered a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). As a landlord, it’s crucial to understand that rejecting a verified ESA owner’s request for reasonable accommodation is generally only allowed if specific state guidelines apply, such as in cases where the landlord resides on the property and rents out a portion of it. Furthermore, landlords cannot demand an advance deposit or additional fees for ESAs unless the animal becomes a nuisance or causes damage to the rental home; in this case, standard regulations applicable to any tenant or guest in a rental setting would apply. Understanding these guidelines is essential for landlords to navigate the accommodation process for ESA owners while maintaining a fair and compliant rental environment. ## In Conclusion The above is a general overview of FHA guidelines for ESAs, though you may need to check state guidelines as well, as there could be more state-specific guidelines on ESAs. [Real Property Management Gold](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/) is knowledgeable regarding the Fair Housing Act requirements and how they concern you as a Lexington Park landlord. We can help you through these requirements to ensure you comply when renting to individuals with Emotional Support Animals. Would you be interested in finding out more? Please [contact us](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us) online or call us at [301-392-2172](tel:+1-301-392-2172) for more information. ## Terms on this page - [Reasonable accommodation](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/reasonable-accommodation) - [Fair Housing Act](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/fair-housing-act) First published by Real Property Management Gold on May 18, 2018. Details may have changed since then; current rules are in the [Landlord Center](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center). ## Keep reading - [Smart Property Management Strategies for Rental Owners in California, MDCalifornia, Maryland is part of the Southern Maryland rental market and benefits from consistent housing demand driven by military activity, \[…\]](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/smart-property-management-strategies-rental-owners-california-md) - [How 3D Virtual Tours Improve Rental Property Marketing & Lease FasterStand out in a competitive rental market. Learn how to use 3D virtual tours to showcase your property and attract quality tenants.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/virtual-walkthroughs-rent-your-property-faster-661) - [Protecting Your Southern Maryland Rental Property: The Importance of Professional ManagementAre you a DIY landlord in Southern Maryland? Protecting your investment is crucial, and it can be a full-time job. \[…\]](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/protecting-your-southern-maryland-rental-property) ## Ask what your home could rent for. Free. A free rental assessment from our offices in Lexington Park and Waldorf. No cost, no contract, no pressure. [Request a free assessment](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment)[(301) 392-2172](tel:+13013922172)