Kentucky ESA Letter for Renters

Yes. KRS 383.085, created in 2018 and amended in 2019, covers assistance animals in housing. It expressly includes emotional support animals, says what documentation a landlord may ask for, bars pet fees for approved animals, and makes misrepresenting an assistance animal a violation with a fine of up to $1,000.

KRS 383.085 accepts documentation from a provider in a good-faith therapeutic relationship: a licensed clinical social worker, professional counselor, advanced practice registered nurse, psychologist or physician who holds a valid, unrestricted Kentucky license and maintains an active practice in Kentucky.

No. The statute excludes providers whose primary service is selling accommodation documentation for a fee, and it makes providing documentation primarily to obtain a fee part of the misrepresentation offense. A Kentucky evaluation should be genuine clinical care.

Possibly. If you moved from another state, KRS 383.085 accepts documentation from a provider licensed in your former state, as long as the therapeutic relationship is ongoing.

KRS 383.085 does not mention telehealth either way. What it requires is the provider: Kentucky-licensed without restrictions, actively practicing in Kentucky, and in a good-faith therapeutic relationship with you. Ask before you book whether your provider meets each of those points.

No. Under KRS 383.085(4) a tenant granted an assistance animal accommodation cannot be required to pay a pet fee, pet deposit or additional rent. You are responsible for physical damage the animal causes if resident pet owners generally are, and you must follow the lease rules that apply to everyone.

Yes. If your disability or need isn't obvious, the landlord may request reliable documentation and may independently verify that it is authentic. Since HUD's May 22, 2026 policy change, untrained ESAs are also reviewed case by case under federal law, so expect the landlord to read the letter closely.

It can be. KRS 383.085(6) makes it an offense to knowingly fit an animal that isn't an assistance animal with a harness, collar, vest or sign claiming it is one. Faking a need, giving false statements to get documentation, or handing over a false document is also covered.

No. Kentucky's public-access law for assistance dogs (KRS 258.500) and the ADA cover trained service animals. KRS 383.085 applies to housing.

Under 14 CFR Part 382, airlines at Louisville (SDF), Lexington (LEX) and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG) may treat an ESA as a pet. A dog trained to do tasks for a psychiatric disability can still fly as a service animal.

With the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights within one year (the commission says complaints must be signed and notarized), or with HUD within one year. A private Fair Housing Act lawsuit can be filed within two years.

No. The provider decides after evaluating you, and may conclude that an ESA is not appropriate.