Can a DC landlord deny my service animal or ESA if there’s a “no pets” policy?

No. If you meet the Fair Housing Act or ADA requirements, landlords usually must grant reasonable accommodation for your animal, even if pets are not otherwise allowed.

Can my landlord demand certification or special training for my ESA?

No. For ESAs, you only need documentation from a healthcare provider explaining your need; no special certifications are legally recognized.

Are there any exceptions where a landlord can refuse an assistance animal?

Yes. If your animal poses a direct threat to others or causes major property damage, a landlord may refuse or remove the animal.

Can I be charged pet rent or cleaning fees for my assistance animal in DC?

No. Under both federal and DC law, service animals and ESAs cannot incur extra pet deposits or ‘pet rents.’

How do I challenge a landlord if my reasonable accommodation is denied?

You can file a discrimination complaint with the DC Office of Human Rights and, if needed, seek a hearing with the Rental Housing Commission.

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals: DC Renters’ Rights

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations District of Columbia published: June 21, 2025

Living with a disability or mental health condition can make finding and keeping housing in the District of Columbia stressful—especially if you have a service animal or need an emotional support animal (ESA). Understanding your legal rights helps ensure fair treatment for both you and your landlord, so let’s clarify how DC law and federal protections apply to these types of animals in rental housing.

Understanding Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals in DC Rentals

Both service animals and ESAs may be allowed in rental housing, but rules—and your landlord’s obligations—are not identical. Let’s break down their legal definitions and what they mean for renters:

What Is a Service Animal?

Legally defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and DC Human Rights Act
Must be a dog (or in some cases, a miniature horse) individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability
Examples: Guiding blind individuals, assisting those who use wheelchairs, alerting someone with epilepsy of an oncoming seizure
Landlords generally must allow service animals—even in “no pets” housing

What Is an Emotional Support Animal?

Recognized under the Fair Housing Act (FHA)
Does not need specialized training—its presence improves symptoms of a mental or emotional disability
Can be any type of domesticated animal
Your landlord must make “reasonable accommodations,” which usually means waiving pet bans or pet fees for your ESA

Your Rights: Requesting an Assistance Animal in DC

If you are a renter in the District of Columbia and need a service animal or ESA, you are protected by several laws:

Landlords cannot:

Deny housing because you have a qualified service animal or ESA
Charge pet deposits or additional rent because of your service animal or ESA
Impose special requirements, like extra insurance, just for having an assistance animal

However, you do have responsibilities. You must:

Notify your landlord if you need your assistance animal as part of a reasonable accommodation
Supply documentation about your disability-related need (a letter from a licensed medical provider, for ESAs)
Ensure your animal isn’t disruptive or dangerous

Forms, Documentation, and How to Request an Accommodation

There is no specific DC government form to request a disability accommodation for your animal in housing, but your landlord might provide their own. Generally, you should make your request in writing for clarity and documentation. Here’s a simple example:

Tip: Submit your request via email or letter and include proof from a licensed medical provider, especially for ESAs.

Sample Request: “I am requesting a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act and DC Human Rights Act for my [service animal/emotional support animal] due to my disability. I have attached a letter from my licensed provider.”

If your request is denied, you can file a complaint with the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) using their Housing Discrimination Complaint Form. This process is free and confidential.

Form Name: OHR Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
How it’s used: If your landlord denies you the right to have your service animal or ESA, you can file this form online or by mail. For example, if your landlord rejects your request for an ESA and refuses to reconsider, submit this form to get an official investigation started.
Access the complaint form here

Who Handles Tenant Issues in DC?

The Rental Housing Commission, part of the DC Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), resolves rental disputes, including accommodation issues and discrimination complaints related to housing.

Relevant DC legislation: Rental Housing Act of 1985

Key Differences for DC Renters: Service Animals vs. ESAs

Service animals: Landlords may only ask if the animal is required for a disability and what work or task it has been trained to perform
ESAs: Landlords may ask for documentation from a licensed provider stating your disability and the animal’s assistance
Neither type can be refused solely due to breed, size, or “no pets” rules—unless the animal poses a real risk or causes excessive property damage
No extra deposits, pet rent, or fees may be charged for service animals or ESAs

It is important to approach these requests openly with your landlord and keep all written records.

FAQs: DC Rentals and Assistance Animals

Can a DC landlord deny my service animal or ESA if there’s a “no pets” policy?
No—if you meet the Fair Housing Act or ADA requirements, landlords usually must grant reasonable accommodation for your animal, even if pets are not otherwise allowed.
Can my landlord demand certification or special training for my ESA?
No. For ESAs, you only need documentation from a healthcare provider explaining your need; no special certifications are legally recognized.
Are there any exceptions where a landlord can refuse an assistance animal?
Yes—if your animal poses a direct threat to others or causes major property damage, a landlord may refuse or remove the animal.
Can I be charged pet rent or cleaning fees for my assistance animal in DC?
No—under both federal and DC law, service animals and ESAs cannot incur extra pet deposits or ‘pet rents.’
How do I challenge a landlord if my reasonable accommodation is denied?
You can file a discrimination complaint with the DC Office of Human Rights and, if needed, seek a hearing with the Rental Housing Commission.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

ADA 2010 Requirements: U.S. Department of Justice – Service Animals
FHA and Assistance Animals: HUD Guidance on Assistance Animals
DC Human Rights Act: Official DC Code - Human Rights Act
Rental Housing Act of 1985: Official DC Rental Law
DC Office of Human Rights Complaint Process: OHR Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
DC Rental Housing Commission: Official Tribunal for Tenant Disputes

Key Takeaways:

Service animals and ESAs are protected by law in DC rentals—landlords cannot enforce “no pets” policies or extra fees for them.
Requests for these accommodations should always be made in writing, and proper documentation should be provided.
Discrimination can be challenged through the DC Office of Human Rights or the Rental Housing Commission.