Can a Landlord Deny an Emotional Support Animal in Colorado?

Introduction

In most cases, no—landlords in Colorado cannot deny a valid Emotional Support Animal (ESA), as long as you have the proper documentation.

A Colorado ESA Letter gives renters legal protection. It shows that your emotional support animal is part of your mental health care. Colorado Emotional Support Animal Laws, along with federal laws, make sure people with emotional needs can live with their support animals—even in “no-pet” housing.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What an ESA is
  
  


• What makes a valid ESA letter in Colorado
  
  


• Your housing rights
  
  


• When landlords can say no
  
  


• How to get your own ESA letter
  
  


• What to do if your rights are denied
  
  

What Is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a pet that helps with mental health. These animals bring comfort and reduce symptoms of:

• Anxiety
  
  


• Depression
  
  


• PTSD
  
  


• Loneliness
  
  


• Stress
  
  

They don’t need to be trained like service animals. Any pet—dogs, cats, rabbits, even birds—can be an ESA if a licensed therapist says it helps your emotional health.

Key Points:

• ESAs are not service animals
  
  


• No special training is required
  
  


• They help with emotional or psychological disabilities
  
  

What Is a Colorado Emotional Support Animal Letter?

A Colorado ESA Letter is a note from a licensed mental health professional that:

• Confirms your need for an emotional support animal
  
  


• Is written on the professional’s official letterhead
  
  


• Includes their license number, signature, and date
  
  


• Shows you have a mental or emotional condition like anxiety or PTSD
  
  

Without this letter, your landlord can treat your ESA like a regular pet—and deny it. But with a valid ESA letter, your rights are protected under Colorado Emotional Support Animal Laws and the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA).

Related Terms You Should Know:

• ESA documentation
  
  


• Mental health recommendation
  
  


• Licensed therapist letter
  
  

Can a Landlord Deny an ESA in Colorado?

Short Answer:

No—if you have a valid Colorado ESA Letter, a landlord cannot deny your ESA.

You’re protected by:

• The Fair Housing Act (FHA)
  
  


• Colorado state laws
  
  


• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in some cases (though ADA mostly applies to service animals)
  
  

Landlords must allow reasonable accommodations. This means letting your ESA live with you, even in pet-free housing.

Your Legal Protection Includes:

• No denial based on breed or size
  
  


• No extra pet deposits or fees
  
  


• No medical questions from the landlord
  
  

When Can a Landlord Say No to an ESA in Colorado?

Even though Colorado ESA Laws protect you, there are a few exceptions where a landlord can deny your emotional support animal:

A landlord may deny your ESA if:

• The animal is dangerous, aggressive, or has a history of biting
  
  


• The ESA causes significant property damage
  
  


• The animal is too large for the living space (e.g., a large horse in a studio apartment)
  
  

A landlord can also deny an ESA if:

• You don’t provide a valid Colorado ESA Letter
  
  


• You live in owner-occupied housing with 4 units or fewer
  
  


• You request an unreasonable accommodation
  
  

So yes, landlords can say no—but only for very specific reasons.

Your Rights Under Colorado Emotional Support Animal Laws

Thanks to strong Colorado Emotional Support Animal Laws, you have special housing rights as an ESA owner.

With a valid Colorado ESA Letter:

• No pet fees or deposits can be charged
  
  


• Landlords can’t ask about your diagnosis
  
  


• You can live in “no pet” apartments
  
  


• Landlords can’t reject your ESA due to breed, weight, or size
  
  

These laws exist to make sure people with mental health needs can live comfortably with their support animals.

Steps to Get a Colorado ESA Letter

Getting a valid ESA Letter in Colorado is simple if you follow the right steps.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Talk to a licensed mental health professional
   
   
   
   
   
   • In-person or through a legit online ESA service
     
     
   
   
   
   


2. Share your emotional or psychological symptoms
   
   
   
   
   
   • Talk about how an ESA helps your daily life
     
     
   
   
   
   


3. Get your ESA Letter
   
   
   
   
   
   • Must include: date, therapist’s signature, license info, and your need for an ESA
     
     
   
   
   
   


4. Submit the letter to your landlord
   
   
   
   
   
   • Only when they ask or before moving in
     
     
   
   
   
   

Avoid fake ESA websites—many offer instant letters that are not legally valid. Always work with a real licensed therapist.

Common Questions from Renters in Colorado

Can my landlord charge me a pet fee for my ESA?

No. Under the Fair Housing Act and Colorado ESA laws, landlords cannot charge any pet-related fees for emotional support animals.

What if I live in a “no pets” apartment?

Your ESA is not considered a pet. With a valid ESA Letter, the landlord must allow it—even in pet-free buildings.

Do ESA letters expire in Colorado?

Yes. Most Colorado ESA Letters are valid for one year. You’ll need to renew annually if required by your landlord or housing provider.

What to Do If a Landlord Refuses Your ESA in Colorado

If your landlord denies your ESA unfairly, here’s what to do:

1. Stay calm and communicate

• Explain that you have a legal right
  
  


• Share a copy of your ESA Letter
  
  

2. Provide legal information

• Mention the Fair Housing Act
  
  


• Refer to Colorado ESA Laws
  
  

3. File a complaint if needed

• Contact the Colorado Civil Rights Division
  
  


• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  
  

Keep records of all your communication and documents. This helps you prove your case if needed.

Extra Tips for Colorado ESA Owners

• Keep your ESA well-behaved to avoid complaints
  
  


• Let your neighbors know (optional) to avoid surprises
  
  


• Renew your letter before it expires
  
  


• Know your rights, especially if you're moving
  
  

Being prepared means you and your emotional support animal can stay together—peacefully and legally.

Conclusion

Most landlords in Colorado cannot deny your emotional support animal if you have a valid, properly written Colorado ESA Letter.

Thanks to Colorado Emotional Support Animal Laws, you’re protected against unfair housing rules, pet fees, and breed discrimination. The key is having the right documentation and knowing your rights.

Whether you're battling anxiety, depression, or just need daily emotional comfort, your ESA can stay by your side—because the law is on your side.