Can my landlord ask for my diagnosis when I request an accommodation?

No, landlords in Georgia may only ask for confirmation of a qualifying disability and the need for accommodation, not your diagnosis.

Is there a specific form required to provide proof of disability in Georgia?

No, Georgia does not require a specific form. A simple letter from a healthcare professional is acceptable.

Can my landlord charge a pet fee for my service or support animal?

No, landlords cannot charge any extra fee or deposit for service or emotional support animals that are covered accommodations.

Are emotional support animals protected by accommodation laws in Georgia?

Yes, emotional support animals are covered if documentation shows you need them due to your disability.

Can Landlords Request Medical Proof for Disability Accommodations in Georgia?

Q: What should I do if my landlord denies my disability accommodation request?

File a complaint with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Fair Housing Office or HUD using official complaint forms.

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Georgia published: June 21, 2025

If you're a renter in Georgia living with a disability, you may need certain changes—or accommodations—to make your rental home safe and comfortable. But what happens if your landlord asks for proof of your condition before approving your request? Understanding your legal rights in Georgia is crucial when it comes to reasonable accommodations and privacy regarding your medical information.

Understanding Reasonable Accommodations in Georgia Rentals

Georgia renters with disabilities are protected by both federal law and state fair housing rules. Under the Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), you have the right to request reasonable changes (accommodations) to policies, procedures, or your rental unit to allow equal access and enjoyment of your home. Examples include installing grab bars, keeping a service animal even with a no-pet policy, or requesting a reserved parking spot.

Can a Landlord Ask for Medical Verification?

Landlords in Georgia may request documentation that verifies the need for your accommodation if your disability or need for accommodation is not obvious. However, they cannot ask for detailed medical records or information about your actual diagnosis. They are only entitled to confirmation that:

You have a disability as defined by law (not necessarily the specific condition)
The requested accommodation is necessary due to your disability

This means your landlord can ask for a brief letter from a medical provider, social worker, or caseworker stating these two facts. They cannot legally require you to provide your full medical history or diagnosis details. For more, see guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Reasonable Accommodations.

What Kind of Documents Can You Provide?

You can provide a letter from a qualified third-party—for example, a doctor, nurse, therapist, or social worker—stating that you have a disability and need the requested accommodation. No special form is required in Georgia, but make sure your letter:

States you are a person with a disability (as defined in fair housing law)
Explains how the requested accommodation will help you use and enjoy your home
Does not include specific details about your condition, unless you want to share them

Practical example: If you request an emotional support animal for anxiety, your doctor could write, “This individual has a disability, and an emotional support animal is necessary for them to have equal opportunity to use and enjoy their dwelling.”

What Landlords Cannot Do

Deny your reasonable request because you won’t provide full medical records, a diagnosis, or personal health information beyond what is necessary
Charge you extra fees for accommodations (such as a “pet deposit” for service or support animals)
Share your disability information with others without your consent

If you feel your landlord is asking for too much information or denying your request without proper reason, you can file a complaint with Georgia's Department of Community Affairs Fair Housing Office or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Which Authority Handles Disputes in Georgia?

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Fair Housing Office handles state-level complaints about rental discrimination and accommodation disputes. At the federal level, you can file a complaint with HUD.

Important Georgia Legislation to Know

Your rights are governed primarily by the Federal Fair Housing Act and Georgia law under Georgia Fair Housing Law (O.C.G.A. § 8-3-200 et seq.). These laws ensure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination in housing for renters with disabilities.

Relevant Official Forms & Practical Examples

HUD Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903):
You can use this form to file a complaint about a landlord who denies your request for a reasonable accommodation or asks for improper medical documentation.
Download HUD Form 903
Example: A renter whose landlord insists on a full diagnosis can fill out this form and submit it online or by mail to report discrimination. See HUD's Fair Housing Complaint Process for more details.

In summary, your landlord in Georgia can ask for simple verification of your disability and the need for an accommodation, but not for extensive medical records or detailed health information.

FAQ: Disability Accommodation Proof in Georgia

Can my landlord ask for my diagnosis when I request an accommodation?
No, landlords may only ask for confirmation that you have a qualifying disability and that your requested accommodation is necessary. They cannot require your actual diagnosis or detailed medical records.
Is there a specific form I must use to provide proof?
No, in Georgia there’s no official state form required. A letter from your healthcare provider or another qualified professional is acceptable.
What if my landlord denies my request after I provide reasonable documentation?
You can file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Fair Housing Office or HUD. Use HUD Form 903 and keep records of communication with your landlord.
Are emotional support animals covered under reasonable accommodation laws?
Yes, emotional support animals are typically considered reasonable accommodations. You will need documentation showing your need for the animal, but not your diagnosis.
Can my landlord charge a pet fee for my service or support animal?
No, landlords cannot charge extra fees or deposits for service animals or emotional support animals required as a disability accommodation.

Key Takeaways for Georgia Renters

Your landlord can request basic verification of your need for an accommodation—but not your diagnosis or detailed medical records.
Use a brief letter from a medical professional to satisfy documentation needs.
If you feel your rights are violated, file a complaint with Georgia DCA or HUD.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Georgia Department of Community Affairs Fair Housing Office – file complaints, get information about your rights, and request fair housing help.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – federal guidance and complaint portal.
Georgia Fair Housing Law – read the current statute protecting renters with disabilities.
HUD Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903) – file a federal fair housing complaint.

Fair Housing Act: Full Text
Georgia Fair Housing Law (O.C.G.A. § 8-3-200 et seq.): Read the law
HUD Reasonable Accommodations Guidance: Official page
Georgia Department of Community Affairs Fair Housing Office: DCA Fair Housing
HUD Complaint Form 903: Download PDF