What is the typical documentation requirement for emotional support vs service animals under FHA?

• A. Service animals require a prescription.
• B. Emotional support animals may require documentation; service animals have separate accommodations.
• C. Both require the same documentation.
• D. Neither requires documentation.

Answer: (B)

Under the FHA, housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for disabilities, including allowing service and emotional support animals. The documentation expectations differ. Service animals typically do not require a prescription or extensive medical records; the landlord may ask for only enough information to confirm the individual has a disability and that the animal is trained to perform tasks related to that disability. Emotional support animals, however, often involve a documented link between the disability and the need for the animal, so a professional letter or similar documentation may be requested to establish the basis for the accommodation. Because ESAs may require documentation while service animals generally do not, this option reflects the usual distinction between the two.