ESA Housing Rights in Texas: What Landlords Can and Can't Do

ESA Housing Rights in Texas: What Landlords Can and Can't Do

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) offer vital comfort for people navigating mental health challenges. In Texas, as in the rest of the U.S., residents with ESAs are protected under federal housing law—but there's a lot of confusion about what landlords can legally require, restrict, or deny. If you’re a Texas tenant with a valid ESA or a psychiatric service dog (PSD), understanding your rights can prevent unnecessary conflict or even discrimination.

Here’s what you—and your landlord—need to know.

ESA Housing Rights in Texas: The Basics

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) governs the rights of tenants with emotional support animals in Texas. This federal law requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, including allowing ESAs—even in buildings with strict “no pet” policies.

Texas follows federal guidelines, meaning that landlords must provide fair access to housing, regardless of their personal pet policies

What Landlords Can’t Do

1. Deny Housing Based on Your ESA or PSD

   • Landlords in Texas cannot refuse housing simply because you have an ESA or PSD. This applies even in pet-free properties.

2. Charge Pet Fees or Deposits

   • ESAs and PSDs are not considered pets under federal law. That means landlords can’t impose pet rent, pet deposits, or extra fees tied to the presence of your animal.

3. Ask for Details About Your Diagnosis

   • While landlords can request documentation showing a need for an ESA, they are not allowed to ask for specific medical records or diagnoses. The focus is on the need—not the personal details behind it.

4. Restrict Breeds or Weight

   • Housing providers can't enforce breed, size, or weight limits for ESAs or PSDs. These animals are exempt from typical pet restrictions if they are part of a documented need.

What Landlords Can Do

1. Request Proper Documentation

   • While they can’t demand specifics about your condition, landlords can ask for a legitimate letter from a licensed professional that confirms your need for an ESA or PSD. This is where PetCerts.com comes in—we specialize in valid Housing and Travel Letters for Psychiatric Service Dogs that help support your rights.

2. Deny Unreasonable Requests

   • If your ESA or PSD is dangerous, disruptive, or causes property damage, a landlord may have legal grounds to deny accommodation. The law protects reasonable requests, not ones that threaten the health or safety of others.

3. Verify Authenticity of Letters

   • Some landlords may attempt to verify the legitimacy of your documentation. That's why it's important to have valid, legally compliant letters—like those available through PetCerts.com.

PSDs vs. ESAs: What’s the Difference in Housing?

While ESAs offer emotional comfort, Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) are trained to perform specific tasks that aid their handler’s mental health condition. In housing scenarios, both are protected under the Fair Housing Act—but having a PSD may also offer additional benefits, especially during travel (like flying), where ESA protections have changed in recent years.

At PetCerts.com, we focus on legitimate PSD Housing and Travel Letters. If you have a psychiatric service dog and need clear documentation for your landlord or airline, we’ve streamlined the process with professional guidance that ensures compliance with federal law.

How PetCerts.com Helps Texas Tenants

Housing discrimination still happens—even when the law is on your side. That's why having the right documentation matters. Our PSD letters are designed to stand up to scrutiny, helping protect your rights and prevent delays or denials when dealing with landlords.

We provide:

• Legally valid Housing & Travel Letters for PSDs

• Seamless and secure online access

• Fast turnaround times for time-sensitive housing needs

We understand the stress of housing issues—and we’re here to help smooth the process so you and your service animal can live without unnecessary barriers.

 

If you're living in Texas and rely on an ESA or PSD, you’re legally entitled to fair treatment in housing. Knowing what landlords can and can’t do empowers you to advocate for your rights. And when it comes to documentation, trust PetCerts.com to provide the support you need with confidence and clarity.

Need a Housing & Travel Letter for your PSD?
Visit PetCerts.com to get started today. Empower your housing experience—with your service dog by your side.