Regulatory Updates

2026 HUD ESA Guidelines Explained

The official Department of Housing and Urban Development guidance regarding assistance animals in housing.

Overview of HUD Notice FHEO-2020-01

HUD issued clear guidelines to clarify what documentation landlords may lawfully request and to distinguish between real licensed telehealth evaluations and deceptive registry certificates.

What Landlords CANNOT Ask Under HUD Rules

❌ Landlords cannot demand access to your full medical or psychiatric records.
❌ Landlords cannot require an in-person physical exam if you have a valid telehealth evaluation.
❌ Landlords cannot require special training or behavioral certificates for an ESA.
❌ Landlords cannot require a notary or custom non-standard medical disclosure forms.

Get a HUD-Compliant ESA Letter →