Free tool

Accommodation request letter.

Having a letter from a clinician is only half of it -- you still have to ask your landlord, in writing, in a way a housing office will take seriously. This builds that letter. It is free, there is nothing to sign up for, and you do not have to be our patient.

Your details

Your letter

August 23, 2026

Re: Request for reasonable accommodation

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to request a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. I am a person with a disability, and I am requesting an exception to the no-pets policy that applies to my unit, so that my assistance animal may live with me.

The Fair Housing Act requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when such accommodations may be necessary to afford a person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. See 42 U.S.C. § 3604(f)(3)(B). An assistance animal is not a pet, and requests of this kind are evaluated as accommodation requests rather than under pet policies.

My dog provides disability-related assistance that supports my ability to live independently in my home. I am not asking you to waive any obligation I have as a tenant: I remain fully responsible for my animal's behavior, for any damage it causes, and for complying with all other terms of my lease.

Enclosed is documentation from a licensed healthcare provider supporting this request. Please note that under the Fair Housing Act you may request documentation of a disability-related need for the animal, but you are not entitled to my medical records, my specific diagnosis, or the details of my treatment.

I would appreciate a written response within ten (10) business days. If you have questions, or if you believe this request presents a difficulty, I am glad to discuss it -- the Fair Housing Act contemplates an interactive process between tenant and housing provider, and I would rather resolve any concern directly with you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,


[Your name]

Before you send it

  • Send it in writing, and keep a copy. Email is fine; certified mail creates a stronger record. A verbal request is still a valid request under the law, but it is much harder to prove later.
  • Send it to whoever handles your lease -- the property manager or leasing office, not a maintenance contact.
  • Do not attach your medical records. A housing provider may ask for documentation of a disability-related need for the animal. They are not entitled to your diagnosis, your chart, or your treatment history.
  • If you get no response in ten business days, follow up in writing and reference the date of your original request. Silence is not a denial, but a documented timeline matters if this escalates.
  • If the request is denied, you can file a complaint with HUD at hud.gov or with your state fair housing agency. There is no fee.

Want a copy emailed to you, along with what to do if your landlord says no? Optional -- the letter above is yours either way.

This template is general information, not legal advice, and using it does not create an attorney-client or provider-patient relationship. Fair housing law varies by state and by situation. If your housing is at risk, speak with a local fair housing organization or a tenant attorney -- many offer free help.