ESA Letter vs. Pet Policy in Arizona: Beat Breed and Weight Restrictions Legally
Living in Arizona often means dealing with strict pet policies imposed by landlords and apartment complexes. These policies typically include breed bans, weight limits, and pet fees that can make it hard for pet owners to keep their beloved companions.
But if you have a legitimate Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter, federal law offers protections that override many of these restrictions. Understanding how your ESA letter works against pet policies can help you secure your housing rights and keep your emotional support companion with you.
🏠 Understanding Pet Policies in Arizona Housing
Many landlords and housing providers in Arizona enforce strict pet rules to limit liability, noise, and damage. These often include:
- Breed Restrictions: Bans on breeds labeled “aggressive” like Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and others.
- Weight Limits: Maximum allowable weight, often 25 or 30 pounds.
- Pet Deposits & Fees: Additional charges for having pets on the property.
For most tenants, these rules are binding—but there’s an important exception for ESAs under federal law.
📜 How ESA Letters Override Breed and Weight Restrictions
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, including allowing ESAs—even if the property’s pet policy forbids the animal’s breed or size.
This means:
- Breed bans do NOT apply to approved ESAs
- Weight limits are waived for ESAs
- Landlords cannot charge pet deposits or pet rent for ESAs
However, the landlord can deny an ESA only if the animal poses a direct threat or causes property damage.
✅ What Your ESA Letter Must Include
To legally override pet policies in Arizona, your ESA letter must be:
- Issued by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) authorized in Arizona
- On official letterhead with provider’s credentials and license number
- Current (issued within the past 12 months)
- Clearly stating your need for an emotional support animal due to a mental or emotional disability
CertifyESA partners only with licensed Arizona professionals to provide ESA letters that meet all federal and state requirements.
🚫 What Landlords Cannot Do
- Deny housing based solely on breed or weight if you have a valid ESA letter
- Charge pet fees or deposits for your ESA
- Require registration or certification beyond your ESA letter
These protections apply to most housing types in Arizona, including apartments, condos, and HOA communities.
📌 Final Thoughts
Arizona residents with a legitimate ESA letter have strong legal protections that beat typical pet policies. Your ESA letter is your key to keeping your companion by your side—no matter their breed or size.
With CertifyESA, you get a fast, easy, and fully compliant ESA letter from licensed Arizona professionals, backed by landlord verification and ongoing support.
