Connecticut Renters: Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals

If you're a renter in Connecticut and rely on an assistance animal, it's important to know the difference between service animals and emotional support animals. State and federal law recognize these roles differently, and your rights—and your landlord's obligations—depend on how your animal is classified. This article explains what tenants need to know about service animals versus emotional support animals in Connecticut rental housing, including how to request accommodations and which forms or documentation you may need.

Understanding Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals in Connecticut

In Connecticut, service animals and emotional support animals provide different types of assistance and are covered by different laws.

What Is a Service Animal?

• Service animals are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability, such as guiding someone who is blind or alerting someone who has seizures.
• Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only dogs (and in some cases, miniature horses) can be recognized as service animals.

What Is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

• Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not trained for specific tasks, but provide comfort and emotional support to someone with a disability.
• Unlike service animals, ESAs can include other animals beyond dogs and are covered by the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA).

Neither service animals nor ESAs are considered "pets" under the law, meaning pet fees and restrictions generally do not apply in housing where a tenant qualifies for an accommodation.

Your Rights as a Connecticut Renter Regarding Assistance Animals

Both the Connecticut Fair Housing Act and federal laws provide protections if you need an assistance animal in your rental.

• Landlords generally must make reasonable accommodations to allow a service animal or emotional support animal, even if the property has a "no pets" policy.
• You cannot be charged extra fees or deposits for your assistance animal.
• Landlords can request reliable documentation if your need for the animal is not obvious.

Key Differences in Tenant Rights

• Service animals: Landlords have limited ability to ask questions and may only ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what task it performs.
• ESAs: Landlords can request documentation from a healthcare provider verifying you have a disability and need the animal.

How to Request an Accommodation for Your Service Animal or ESA

To obtain approval for an assistance animal, Connecticut renters should:

• Notify your landlord in writing of your need for the accommodation.
• Provide supporting documentation if your disability or the animal's purpose is not obvious. For ESAs, supply a letter from a licensed healthcare provider.
• Wait for your landlord's response. Landlords must respond promptly but can only deny the request for limited reasons (e.g., if the animal poses a direct threat).

Important Forms and Official Processes

• Connecticut Fair Housing Complaint Form (CHRO-1): If you believe your rights have been violated, submit this form to the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO). Find the Fair Housing Complaint Form (PDF) directly on their site. Use this form if, for example, your landlord wrongfully denies your assistance animal request.
• Reasonable Accommodation Request Letter: There is no official statewide form, but a written letter (either by mail or email) is sufficient. In your letter, state that you are requesting a reasonable accommodation for your assistance animal, whether it's a service animal or ESA. Clearly explain your need without disclosing private medical details unless necessary.

For details on your housing rights, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection: Housing provides official guidance.

Connecticut Tribunal Handling Housing Disputes

Discrimination or failure to accommodate assistance animals can be addressed with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO). This is the main state agency responsible for enforcing fair housing laws.

Relevant Connecticut Tenancy Laws

• The Connecticut Landlord and Tenant Act covers general tenant rights.
• The Connecticut Fair Housing Act and the federal Fair Housing Act ensure your right to reasonable accommodation for assistance animals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can a Connecticut landlord refuse a service animal or ESA?
   Landlords must allow service animals and ESAs unless the animal poses a direct threat or would cause major property damage. They can require documentation in some cases.
2. Are pet fees or deposits allowed for assistance animals?
   No. Additional deposits or pet-related fees cannot be charged for service animals or ESAs under state and federal law.
3. What documentation is needed for an ESA in Connecticut?
   Tenants may need a letter from a licensed healthcare provider stating that they have a disability and need the animal for emotional support.
4. How do I file a complaint if my rights are denied?
   File a Fair Housing Complaint Form with the CHRO. This can be done online, by mail, or in person.
5. Are landlords allowed to ask questions about my disability?
   Landlords cannot ask about your specific diagnosis but may ask for documentation establishing your need for the animal, especially for ESAs.

Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

• Service animals and ESAs are protected under Connecticut and federal law, but have different documentation requirements.
• Landlords cannot charge you extra fees or reject your application because of an assistance animal.
• If you face discrimination, you can file a complaint with the CHRO for official help.

Knowing your rights helps foster a fair, safe, and supportive living environment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) – Handles housing discrimination complaints and fair housing questions. Find forms and contact information on their website.
• Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection: Housing – Guidance on landlord-tenant issues and rental laws.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

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1. Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO)
2. Connecticut Fair Housing Act
3. Connecticut Landlord and Tenant Act
4. HUD: Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications
5. ADA Service Animal Requirements

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