PSD Housing Requirements in Michigan

PSD Housing Requirements in Michigan: What You Need to Know

Navigating housing with a psychiatric service dog (PSD) can feel overwhelming—especially when state-specific guidelines come into play. If you're living in Michigan or planning to move there, understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential. Whether you're dealing with landlords, property managers, or housing communities, having the correct documentation for your PSD is crucial. At PetCerts.com, we help make that part simple.

What Qualifies as a PSD in Michigan?

A psychiatric service dog is not the same as an emotional support animal (ESA). While both offer comfort, a PSD is specially trained to perform tasks directly related to a person's psychiatric disability. These tasks might include interrupting episodes of anxiety, reminding the handler to take medication, or creating a physical barrier in crowded spaces.

Michigan, like all states, follows the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) when it comes to housing and service animals. Under these laws:

• Landlords must accommodate individuals with PSDs, even in no-pet housing.

• Breed or size restrictions do not apply to PSDs.

• Fees and deposits typically charged for pets must be waived for PSDs.

The only requirement? The individual must have a qualifying mental health condition, and the dog must be trained to perform specific tasks related to that condition.

Your Rights as a Tenant With a PSD

In Michigan, your rights as a tenant with a psychiatric service dog are protected under federal law. Landlords are allowed to request documentation that supports your need for a PSD—but only to verify that:

1. You have a disability as defined by the FHA.

2. The PSD assists with that disability.

They cannot ask about the details of your diagnosis, require access to medical records, or demand that the dog be registered in a state or local database.

The Role of Proper Documentation

This is where things get real. If your housing situation involves any form of gatekeeping—whether it’s a rental application, a renewal, or an accommodation request—having the correct paperwork matters.

At PetCerts.com, we focus on providing legally-sound PSD Housing Letters that are aligned with FHA standards and fully compliant with Michigan housing regulations. Our letters are crafted to help reduce friction in landlord interactions while standing up to scrutiny.

Real-World Scenarios in Michigan

Let’s say you’re moving into an apartment in Ann Arbor where pets aren’t allowed. The landlord initially refuses your PSD. Legally, once you present the correct PSD Housing Letter and the dog is trained to assist you with a documented psychiatric condition, the landlord must make reasonable accommodations—no exceptions for breed or pet rules.

Or imagine you’re renewing your lease in Grand Rapids, and the management company requires updated documentation. Having your PSD Housing Letter ready ensures there’s no delay in your housing situation or risk of non-renewal.

Common Misunderstandings to Watch Out For

• “You have to pay a pet deposit.” False. PSDs are not considered pets under the law.

• “You need to register your PSD with the city.” Not required.

• “You must demonstrate the dog’s task work.” Incorrect. You're not legally obligated to show or perform your dog’s tasks.

How PetCerts.com Supports You

We specialize in PSD Housing and Travel Letters that are formatted specifically to meet legal housing requirements in Michigan. Every document is designed to hold up under landlord review and can be used across the state—whether you’re living in Detroit, Traverse City, Lansing, or anywhere in between.

If you’re ready to take control of your housing situation and avoid unnecessary roadblocks, PetCerts.com makes it easy to get the documentation you need—securely, discreetly, and hassle-free.