When Can a Landlord Say No to an ESA in Washington & Idaho?
If you’re a landlord in Washington or Idaho, you’ve probably received an emotional support animal (ESA) request at some point. These requests are protected under Fair Housing laws—but there are a few narrow circumstances where you can legally say no.
In this post, we’ll walk through the most common and legitimate reasons a landlord may deny ESA Washington Idaho requests without violating the law.
1. The Tenant Doesn't Have a Qualifying Disability
Under the Fair Housing Act, a landlord must provide reasonable accommodation only if the tenant has a qualifying disability and the ESA is necessary for their use of the rental. If no disability exists—or there’s no connection between the condition and the animal—you may be able to legally deny the request.
2. The ESA Letter Comes from a Fake or Suspicious Source
Landlords often receive ESA letters from websites offering instant certifications. In both Washington and Idaho, these may not be valid if:
The provider isn’t licensed
There’s no therapeutic relationship with the tenant
The letter lacks support rationale or provider contact info
✅ In these cases, you may be able to deny ESA Washington Idaho requests if documentation is clearly unreliable.
3. The Animal Is Aggressive or Dangerous
Even an emotional support animal can be denied if it has:
A history of aggression toward people or pets
Caused injury or fear in the community
Behavior that creates an unsafe environment
You’re allowed to document and deny ESA Washington Idaho cases where the animal is a proven threat. Be sure to keep written complaints, photos, or reports to back your decision.
4. The Animal Causes Property Damage
Fair Housing laws do not protect animals that destroy your property. If the ESA has already scratched doors, chewed trim, or damaged floors, you can request corrective action—or deny future ESA accommodation if it’s part of a repeat pattern.
📷 Example: A dog with a history of breaking through screen doors may be a risk that exceeds reasonable accommodation.
5. The ESA Request Comes from a Non-Tenant or Guest
You are not required to consider ESA requests from:
Visitors
Roommates not listed on the lease
Unauthorized occupants
Only actual applicants or current leaseholders can make a valid ESA accommodation request.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Guess—Protect Yourself
ESA laws protect renters, but they don’t leave landlords powerless. Knowing when you’re allowed to deny ESA Washington Idaho requests is essential for staying legal while protecting your property.
If you’re not sure whether to approve or deny an ESA:
✅ Use a trusted screening service
✅ Consult an attorney familiar with Fair Housing
✅ Download our Landlord ESA Checklist inside the Toolkit »