Reasonable accommodation

Reasonable accommodation in housing

Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers must make reasonable accommodations when they may be necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. Waiving a no-pet rule for an assistance animal is a common example. HUD's May 2026 enforcement guidance treats requests for animals individually trained to perform disability-related tasks as presumptively reasonable and reviews untrained emotional support animals case by case.

When a disability or disability-related need for the animal isn't obvious, a housing provider may ask for reliable documentation. This is where a PSD letter from a licensed clinician who has evaluated you is useful. For a trained service dog, the HUD and DOJ joint statement says providers may not require extra fees or deposits as a condition of the accommodation, though they may charge for actual damage; fees for untrained support animals may be allowed, and state law may differ.

Reasonable accommodation at work

Under Title I of the ADA, employers must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship. The EEOC describes three categories: changes to the application process, changes to the work environment or how the job is usually done, and changes that give equal benefits and privileges of employment.

The Job Accommodation Network notes that the employment part of the ADA doesn't define service animal, so a request to bring a dog to work is handled like any other accommodation request. An employer may request reasonable documentation and may consider a trial period.

Reasonable accommodation process

Every request is decided case by case. Keep copies of what you send and receive, and note the dates.

• You make a request; it can be informal and doesn't need special legal words.
• If the need isn't obvious, the provider or employer may ask for reliable documentation.
• You talk through concerns and options in good faith.
• The request is granted unless an exception applies, such as undue burden or hardship, or a direct threat that can't be reduced.

Service dogs in public places

In stores, restaurants and other public accommodations, the ADA's service animal rules apply directly. You don't need to file an accommodation request or show a letter to bring a trained service dog, and a PSD letter does not grant public access.

Reasonable accommodation request tips

Be specific about what you're asking for, such as permission to live with your trained dog despite a no-pet rule. Respond promptly to reasonable follow-up questions, and keep the conversation focused on your disability-related need rather than your full medical history.