$ USD New York ESA Letter for Housing
Emotional support animal evaluations for New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, Albany and Long Island
New Yorkers have two layers of protection. The State Human Rights Law requires reasonable accommodations statewide, and in the five boroughs the NYC Human Rights Law adds detailed ESA rules, including no pet deposits and exemptions from size and breed limits.
Take a short pre-screening, then meet a New York-licensed provider online to see whether an ESA is right for you.
- State & NYC Protection
- Licensed Providers
- Telehealth Evaluation
- Individual Decision
Pre-screening does not guarantee approval. A licensed provider decides after evaluating you.
New York ESA Laws at a Glance
Last reviewed November 2026 against official New York State, New York City and federal sources.
There’s no stand-alone ESA statute. Protection comes from the Executive Law statewide and, in the city, from the NYC Human Rights Law as explained by the NYC Commission on Human Rights.
State law
Owners and managers can’t refuse reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services.NYC guidance
ESAs allowed unless undue hardship. No pet deposits, fees or extra insurance up front.Service dogs
Public access for guide, hearing and service dogs only.Where to file a complaint
Within 3 years (for acts since Feb. 15, 2024). NYC: Commission Infoline 212-416-0197.2026 federal change: since May 22, 2026, HUD has reviewed untrained ESAs case by case for federal enforcement. New York’s state and city human rights laws are independent of that policy, and the NYC Commission has said the rights of New Yorkers with disabilities won’t change.
Weight and breed limits: NYC guidance says ESAs must be exempt from no-pet rules and from breed, weight or size limits unless that would cause undue hardship, so a building rule alone usually isn’t enough to refuse a supported request.
How to Get an ESA Letter in New York
Whether you live in Brooklyn or the Finger Lakes, the process is online.
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1
Pre-Screening
Describe your symptoms, your animal and your building or co-op situation.
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2
Meet Your Provider
Ask for a New York-licensed provider who can serve as your treatment provider.
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3
Clinical Decision
They decide whether the animal would help treat your disability. No automatic approval.
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4
Submit to Your Landlord or Board
If approved, send the letter with your accommodation request and keep copies.
New York ESA Letter Pricing
Flat pricing for the evaluation, paid once.
Where a New York ESA Letter Helps — and Where It Doesn’t
Apartments, Co-ops & Condos
Yes. State law and, in NYC, the city law require ESA accommodations absent undue hardship.
NYU, Columbia, SUNY & CUNY
Usually. Residence halls review ESA requests through disability services; start early.
Flights
No. Airlines at JFK, LGA, BUF, ALB and ROC may treat an ESA as a pet.
Stores, Restaurants & Transit
No. Civil Rights Law § 47 public access covers service dogs only.
What New York Landlords Can and Can’t Require
Based on the NYC Commission on Human Rights fact sheet:
- They may ask a treatment provider to confirm your disability and that the animal helps
- They can’t demand your specific diagnosis
- They can’t insist on a particular form or a recent date
- They may require dog vaccination records and a leash in common areas
- They can’t charge pet deposits or fees up front, or force a separate entrance
- They may charge for actual damage or excessive wear and tear
Who may qualify: New Yorkers with a disability, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD or panic disorder, when an animal helps treat its symptoms.
Subsidized housing: New York State Homes and Community Renewal publishes separate guidance on assistance animals in HUD-funded programs.
New York ESA Letter FAQ
Are emotional support animals protected in New York housing?
Yes. The New York State Human Rights Law, Executive Law § 296(18)(2), makes it unlawful for housing owners and managers to refuse reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services that a person with a disability needs to use and enjoy a dwelling. In New York City, the NYC Human Rights Law also applies, and the NYC Commission on Human Rights says housing providers must allow ESAs as a reasonable accommodation unless it would cause an undue hardship.
Did HUD's 2026 change weaken ESA rights in New York?
Not under state or city law. HUD's May 22, 2026 memo narrowed federal enforcement for untrained ESAs, but the State Human Rights Law and NYC Human Rights Law are separate. After the memo, an NYC Commission on Human Rights spokesperson said the rights of New Yorkers with disabilities won't change.
What documentation can a New York landlord or co-op board ask for?
If your disability or need isn't readily apparent, confirmation from a treatment provider that you have a disability and that the animal would help treat it. Under NYC Commission guidance, providers can't require you to disclose the specific disability, insist on a particular form, or demand a recent date, though they may ask for proof of dog vaccinations.
Who can write an ESA letter in New York?
New York doesn't publish a provider list. NYC guidance refers to a "treatment provider," so the best letters come from a licensed health or mental health professional, licensed in New York, who is treating or has evaluated you.
Can a New York landlord charge a pet deposit for my ESA?
In New York City, the Commission says housing providers can't preemptively charge extra security deposits or pet fees, or require additional renter's insurance, for an ESA. They may charge for actual damage or excessive wear and tear. Outside NYC, ask in writing for fees to be waived as part of your accommodation.
Do weight, size or breed limits apply to ESAs in New York City?
Generally no. NYC guidance says ESAs must be exempt from no-pet policies and from breed, weight or size limits unless the exemption would cause undue hardship. Animals barred by the city's Health Code are excluded.
Can I get a New York ESA letter through telehealth?
Yes. New York law doesn't bar telehealth evaluations for ESAs. Choose a provider licensed in New York who can act as your treatment provider.
Can I bring my ESA into stores, restaurants or the subway?
No. Public-access rights under Civil Rights Law § 47 belong to guide, hearing and service dogs. ESAs are protected in housing.
Can I fly with my ESA from JFK or LaGuardia?
Under 14 CFR Part 382, airlines at JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), Buffalo (BUF), Albany (ALB) and Rochester (ROC) may treat an ESA as a pet. A task-trained psychiatric service dog can still fly as a service animal.
Where do I file an ESA housing complaint in New York?
With the New York State Division of Human Rights within three years of discrimination occurring on or after February 15, 2024, or, in New York City, with the NYC Commission on Human Rights (Infoline 212-416-0197). You can also file with HUD within one year.
Does an evaluation guarantee an ESA letter?
No. A licensed provider decides after evaluating you and may recommend something other than an ESA.
More for New York Animal Owners
Official Sources
- N.Y. Executive Law § 296 (State Human Rights Law)
- NYC Commission on Human Rights — Emotional Support Animals in Housing
- NYS Homes and Community Renewal — Service and Assistance Animals in HUD-Funded Programs
- N.Y. Civil Rights Law § 47 (guide, hearing and service dogs)
- NYS Division of Human Rights — File a Complaint
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — Report Housing Discrimination
- 14 CFR Part 382 — U.S. DOT air travel rules
Ready to Start Your New York ESA Evaluation?
Take the free pre-screening. If it fits, a licensed provider meets with you online and decides whether an emotional support animal letter is appropriate.
Licensed providers. State and NYC protection. Individual decision.
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ESA Letter Evaluations for New York
This page is general information about New York State, New York City and federal law as of November 2026, not legal or medical advice. Completing a pre-screening does not guarantee eligibility, an appointment, an ESA letter, a housing accommodation or any particular outcome. ESA recommendations are made by independent licensed professionals based on individual evaluations. United States Service Dogs is not a government agency.