ESA in College Housing: Your Complete Rights Guide

Published April 24, 2026 | tenantpetrights.org

College and university housing is covered by the Fair Housing Act. Students have the right to request ESA accommodations in dorms and on-campus apartments — and cannot be charged pet fees for them.

Your Rights in Campus Housing

• FHA requires reasonable ESA accommodation in campus housing
• Schools receiving federal funding also have Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act) obligations
• No pet fees can be charged for ESAs in campus housing
• "No pets in dorms" policies do not override FHA/Section 504

How to Request ESA Accommodation at Your School

1. Contact Disability Services or Accessibility Office (not Housing directly)
2. Submit your ESA letter from a licensed mental health provider
3. Get written documentation of your accommodation approval
4. Forward to Housing with the official approval

If Your School Denies Your ESA

File simultaneously with: HUD (FHA violation), Department of Education (Section 504), and ADA Title II (public universities). Schools have strong incentives to settle — federal funding can be at risk.

More campus case examples at TenantPetRights.org.