HUD Issues New Emotional Support Animal Guidance

On May 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued new guidance on its enforcement of emotional support animal (ESA) complaints under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The guidance excludes ESAs from federal disability-related protections under the FHA.

Effective immediately, HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) will pursue reasonable cause findings and recommend charges only in cases involving animals trained to provide disability-related assistance. While housing provider organizations may choose to allow ESAs at their discretion, HUD will not pursue fair housing charges against those that do not.

HUD . . .