Can my landlord charge pet rent or a pet deposit for my ESA?

No. Under both federal FHA and Michigan housing law (Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act), pet rent, pet fees, and pet deposits must be waived for ESAs. However, you're still responsible for actual physical damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Are there breed or weight limits for ESAs in Michigan housing?

No. Breed and weight limits that apply to pets generally do not apply to ESAs. Decisions must be individualized to the specific animal, not based on stereotypes or blanket policies.

Can my landlord deny my ESA in Michigan?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances: You don't meet disability requirements Your documentation doesn't establish both a disability and a disability-related need for the animal. You refuse to provide valid documentation when legitimately requested Your documentation is fraudulent or from an unlicensed provider without knowledge of your condition The animal poses a direct threat that can't be mitigated The animal would cause substantial damage that cannot be reduced Your landlord qualifies for a small landlord exemption (owner-occupied, four or fewer units)

Do I have to register my ESA in Michigan or get a special ID?

No. There is no official Michigan ESA registry, and federal law doesn't require registration. Michigan universities and the Department of Justice explicitly state: "No certification of an animal's status as a service or emotional support animal is currently in existence," and that registration documents "do not convey any rights under the ADA or Fair Housing Act."

Does my ESA need special training in Michigan?

No specific task training is required (that's what distinguishes ESAs from service animals). However, your ESA must: Be under your control Be housebroken Not be aggressive or pose a safety threat Not cause ongoing disturbances that fundamentally alter the housing environment Comply with reasonable rules applicable to all residents

Can I have more than one ESA in Michigan?

Yes, if each animal is necessary for your disability-related needs. You'll need documentation from a licensed provider explaining the need for multiple animals. Landlords can consider whether multiple ESAs would create an undue burden, pose safety concerns, or cause significant property damage.

Does my clinician need to be licensed in Michigan?

While Michigan does not explicitly require the provider to be licensed in Michigan, it's strongly recommended to work with a Michigan-licensed mental health professional to ensure landlords accept the letter and comply with telehealth regulations. The provider must be knowledgeable about your condition and the animal's disability-related needs.

What happens if I use fraudulent ESA documentation in Michigan?

While Michigan does not have state-level criminal penalties for fraudulent ESA documentation (unlike service animal misrepresentation), providing fraudulent ESA documentation can have serious consequences: Consequences: Landlords can deny or revoke housing accommodations Potential eviction if fraud is discovered after move-in Liability for damages Loss of credibility for future accommodation requests Michigan has penalties for service animal misrepresentation (up to a $500 fine, 90 days' imprisonment, or 30 days of community service), but these do not apply to ESAs.

Michigan ESA Letter: How to Get It and ESA Laws in Michigan

An ESA letter in Michigan is a legitimate document confirming an emotional support animal’s official ESA status. An emotional support animal (ESA) is any animal that offers companionship and comfort without requiring special training.

ESAs are not regular pets and enjoy benefits beyond ordinary animals. They benefit from certain rights under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). The FHA obliges landlords to provide reasonable accommodation for emotional support animal Michigan.
There are no state-specific Michigan emotional support animal laws, meaning ESAs’ rights are in sync with federal regulations. The ESA letter confirms the animal’s ESA status and protects its rights under federal laws.

What are the Specific Emotional Support Animal Laws in Michigan?

Michigan has enacted penalties for service animal misrepresentation but does NOT have specific laws penalizing emotional support animal fraud. Under MCL § 752.62 (amended by Public Act 147 of 2015), Michigan makes it a misdemeanor to falsely represent possession of a service animal or service animal in training in any public place, punishable by up to 90 days imprisonment, a fine up to $500, and/or up to 30 days community service. However, proposed legislation specifically targeting ESA misrepresentation (House Bill 4910 and Senate Bill 610, introduced 2019) has not passed. Michigan relies on federal Fair Housing Act protections for ESA housing rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act for service animal public access rights. The state does not require ESA registration, therapeutic relationship timeframes, or specific documentation standards beyond federal requirements.

Michigan ESA Housing Laws

Michigan emotional support animal housing protections come primarily from federal Fair Housing Act requirements and the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (MCL 37.1101 et seq.).

Your Rights as a Tenant with an ESA in Michigan:

Under the Fair Housing Act and Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, if you have a disability and need an emotional support animal, you can request a reasonable accommodation from your landlord. This means:

Landlords must allow your ESA even in buildings with no-pet policies
You cannot be charged pet fees, pet deposits, or monthly pet rent
Breed restrictions don’t apply (Michigan has no banned dog breeds except wolf-dog hybrids with specific limitations)
Your landlord cannot discriminate against you because of your ESA
No limit on number of ESAs (but must be reasonable)

What Is an Emotional Support Animal in Michigan?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that provides emotional support, comfort, or companionship to a person with a mental or emotional disability. Unlike service animals, ESAs don’t require specialized training for specific tasks – their therapeutic benefit comes from their presence alone.

Common conditions that may benefit from an ESA include:

Anxiety disorders
Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Bipolar disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Phobias
ADHD
Schizophrenia
Age-related cognitive decline
Panic attacks
Autism spectrum disorders

Who Can Write Your ESA Letter in Michigan?

Your ESA letter should come from a Michigan-licensed healthcare professional (or licensed in your state if you recently moved), such as:

Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
Licensed professional counselor (LPC)
Physician
Physician assistant
Nurse practitioner
Certified nurse specialist

Important: ESA Registrations Are NOT Required

Michigan law does not require ESA registration or certification. There is no official registry for ESAs in Michigan. Online ESA registries and certificates have no legal weight under federal or Michigan law. All you need is a legitimate letter from a licensed healthcare professional.

What Your Landlord Can (and Can’t) Do:

Your landlord CAN:

Request documentation from a licensed mental health professional if your disability isn’t obvious
Verify the legitimacy of your documentation
Ask you to sign HIPAA-compliant authorization to request documentation from your provider
Deny your ESA if it poses a direct threat to others’ health or safety
Deny your ESA if it would cause substantial property damage
Hold you financially responsible for any damage your ESA causes
Deny your ESA if accommodating it would impose an undue financial or administrative burden
Deny your ESA if it would fundamentally alter the nature of their services

Your landlord CANNOT:

Ask for your medical records or detailed diagnosis
Require ESA registration or certification
Charge you pet fees, deposits, or rent for your ESA
Enforce breed restrictions on your ESA (Michigan has no breed-specific legislation for domestic animals)
Refuse ESAs based on size or weight limits
Retaliate against you for requesting an ESA accommodation
Treat your ESA as a pet subject to pet policies

Your Responsibilities as an ESA Owner:

Obtain proper documentation from a licensed healthcare professional
Keep your ESA well-behaved and under control
Ensure your ESA is housebroken
Clean up after your ESA
You’re liable for any property damage your ESA causes
Vaccinate your ESA according to local requirements
Comply with local pet licensing requirements if applicable

When Can Your Landlord Legally Deny Your ESA?

A landlord can refuse your ESA in these situations:

Your ESA poses a direct threat to others’ health or safety
Your ESA would cause substantial physical damage to the property
Your ESA is out of control and you don’t take effective action to control it
Accommodating your ESA would create an undue financial or administrative burden
The accommodation would fundamentally alter the essential nature of the housing provider’s services
You don’t provide adequate documentation from a qualified professional
Your documentation appears fraudulent or from a provider without a legitimate relationship with you
The landlord qualifies for FHA exemptions (owner-occupied buildings with 4 or fewer units, single-family homes rented without brokers where owner doesn’t own more than 3 such homes)

Where to File a Complaint:

If your landlord unlawfully denies your ESA request, contact:

Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Michigan ESA Laws for Public Places

Emotional support animals have no public access rights in Michigan.

Michigan law (MCL § 37.1301 et seq.) and the federal ADA grant people with disabilities the right to be accompanied by service animals in public places, but ESAs are explicitly excluded from these protections.

ESAs Are NOT Allowed In:

Restaurants and food establishments
Retail stores and shopping malls
Hotels (unless they’re pet-friendly)
Public transportation (except as regular pets under pet policies)
Government buildings
Healthcare facilities
Schools and universities (except in housing)
Theaters and concert halls
Sports facilities
Taxicabs (unless pet-friendly)

Some Michigan businesses are pet-friendly and may voluntarily allow ESAs. Always call ahead to confirm their specific policies.

Michigan ESA Travel Laws

Since January 11, 2021, airlines no longer recognize ESAs as service animals for air travel under Department of Transportation regulations.

Michigan residents traveling through airports like Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), or other Michigan airports must follow individual airline pet policies. Your ESA will be treated as a regular pet, meaning:

You’ll pay pet fees (typically $95-$125 each way)
Your ESA must fit in an airline-approved carrier under the seat
Size and breed restrictions apply
You must follow all standard pet travel rules
Not all airlines accept pets in cabin

Only psychiatric service dogs trained to perform specific disability-related tasks retain cabin access protections under the Air Carrier Access Act.

Michigan ESA Employment Laws

Michigan does not require employers to allow emotional support animals in the workplace. Only service dogs trained to perform specific disability-related tasks receive workplace protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

However, employees may request reasonable accommodations under the ADA, and some Michigan employers voluntarily allow ESAs on a case-by-case basis to support employee mental health and wellbeing.

Faking an ESA or Service Animal in Michigan: Penalties and Consequences

Michigan HAS a Law Penalizing Service Animal Misrepresentation

Michigan Compiled Law § 752.62 (as amended by Public Act 147 of 2015) makes it illegal to falsely represent possession of a service animal or service animal in training in any public place.

The Penalty for Service Animal Fraud:

Misdemeanor punishable by one or more of the following:

Imprisonment for up to 90 days
Fine up to $500
Community service for up to 30 days

What’s Illegal in Michigan:

You commit a misdemeanor if you falsely represent that you are in possession of a service animal or service animal in training in any public place.

However: Michigan Has NO Law Specifically Penalizing ESA Misrepresentation

What Consequences Can You Still Face?

Even without specific ESA misrepresentation penalties, you can face serious consequences:

Housing Consequences:

Eviction from your apartment for providing fraudulent documentation
Lease termination under general fraud provisions
Lawsuits from your landlord for damages and legal fees
Housing denials when future landlords check your rental history
Loss of credibility that makes it difficult to rent in Michigan

Public Access Consequences (if claiming ESA is service animal):

Removal from businesses and public places
Misdemeanor charges under MCL § 752.62 (up to 90 days jail, $500 fine, 30 days community service)
Trespassing charges if you refuse to leave after being asked
Permanent bans from certain establishments

Legal Consequences:

Fraud charges under general Michigan fraud statutes if you falsify documents
Civil liability if your untrained animal injures someone or causes property damage
Federal housing discrimination complaints if your fraudulent actions harm landlords

Is Getting an ESA Letter Online Legal in Michigan?

Yes, getting an ESA letter online is legal in Michigan. Mental health professionals licensed in the state issue ESA letters following a consultation.

Michigan residents are allowed to complete the consultation in person or online via telehealth platforms (phone or video calls). Both options are legally valid, but the latter is more practical.

Some online ESA services, however, are fraudulent. Research the website or company before making arrangements. Unreasonable offers, such as fast or cheap ESA letters, are red flags indicating scam businesses.

Is there an Official Registration for ESAs in Michigan?

No, there is no official registration for ESAs in Michigan. ESA registration and certification are unnecessary steps and do not hold legal value. National ESA registries and certificates do not exist.

The only legally binding document for gaining an ESA status is the ESA letter. Companies and websites offering Michigan emotional support animal registration and certification are probably scams.

How to Get an ESA Letter in Michigan?

Below indicative steps on how to obtain an ESA letter in Michigan are discussed. If a person is already seeing a therapist, they can talk to them about requesting an ESA letter. Physicians and physician assistants can also issue an ESA letter.

Understand the Purpose of an ESA Letter. Before starting the process, it is essential to understand that an ESA letter is legal documentation confirming the need for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) to assist with emotional or psychological conditions.
Consult a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP). Only qualified professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists, are allowed to issue a valid Michigan ESA letter. Ensure the professional is authorized to practice in the state.
Schedule a Mental Health Assessment. The LMHP evaluates the individual’s treatment plan to determine if an ESA is necessary. This step is crucial to obtaining a legitimate ESA letter that meets Michigan’s legal requirements.
Receive the ESA Letter. If approved, the LMHP issues a signed and dated ESA letter. This document must include the professional’s license details and confirm the need for an ESA.
Use the ESA Letter for Housing Protections. Present the letter to landlords or providers to ensure compliance with ESA housing laws. A valid letter exempts an individual from pet-related fees or restrictions under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
Avoid Fraudulent Services. Be cautious of services offering ESA certification in Michigan or registration, as the law does not require these. The only document needed is a legitimate ESA letter from an LMHP.

You can get a compliant ESA letter in Michigan online via platforms like CertaPet. CertaPet facilitates fast and valid ESA letter approval in three simple steps.

What are the Advantages of Getting an ESA Letter in Michigan through CertaPet?

The advantages of getting an ESA letter in Michigan through CertaPet are listed below.

Effortless Process: Simple ESA letter acquisition is the hallmark of CertaPet. The online service offers ESA letters in three steps: free pre-screening, LMHP consultation, and receiving the letter.
Reasonably Fast Turnaround: CertaPet prides itself in ensuring fast yet valid ESA letters. Licensed mental health professionals contact prospective ESA candidates within two business days, and approved candidates receive the letters immediately.
Legitimate ESA Documents: CertaPet’s ESA documents are valid and legitimate. The business collaborates with a vast network of mental health professionals and clinicians licensed in different states. The ESA letters are in sync with state and federal laws.
Lawful ESA Benefits: Check the CertaPet website and get an ESA letter online to start enjoying the perks. For example, ESAs in Michigan are allowed to live in housing that does not usually accept pets and do not pay for additional costs.

Do ESA Letters in Michigan need to be Renewed Annually?

Yes, ESA letters in Michigan need to be renewed annually. ESA letters do not expire but must be updated every 12 months.

A current ESA letter ensures that medical records are updated and protects the rights of ESAs. Landlords often require updated ESA letters when owners sign leases or renew contracts.

Contact the LMHP who wrote the letter or find a new practitioner. Online ESA services enable ESA letters to be renewed up to one month before they expire through their practical telehealth platforms.

What are the Requirements for Getting an ESA Letter in Michigan?

The requirements for getting an ESA letter in Michigan are suffering from mental or emotional disability and having a health professional confirm the problem.

Michigan ESA letters are obtained following an evaluation from a LMHP (licensed mental health professional) or clinician. The professional considers the person’s disability and decides whether an ESA is beneficial.

Phobias, anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, ADHD, age-related cognitive decline, autism, and schizophrenia are some of the mental and emotional conditions qualifying for emotional support animals.

How to Avoid Scams in Michigan ESA Letters?

Fake ESA letters emerge daily in all states. False ESA or service animal representation is subject to penalties, including community service, fines, or even jail time. Always obtain ESA letters from trustworthy and legitimate services. CertaPet is an example of a legit online ESA provider.

The instructions on how to avoid scams in ESA letters in Michigan are given below.

Examine the ESA Letter. Read the ESA letter carefully to confirm its authenticity. Valid ESA letters must be written on the health professional’s official letterhead and contain information such as credentials and contact.
Double-Check ESA Letter Prices. Legit ESA letters are not cheap. Reputable ESA services collaborate with LMHP in different states, which is expensive. A cheap ESA letter is likely to be written by an overseas unlicensed clinician.
Have Reasonable Expectations. Acquiring a valid ESA letter takes a day or two. Sites offering instant ESA letters or ESA letters without consultation with LMHPs are not legit. ESA letters last for 12 months, and websites offering life-long ESA letters are scams.
Do Not Fall for Gifts. Scam websites and companies offer free services and gifts, which are neither necessary nor legally valid. ESA registration, certification, and paraphernalia (ID tags and vests) are examples.

Ivana Crnec, DVM Veterinarian

Ivana Crnec got her veterinary degree at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bitola. She then continued her education at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Zagreb, Croatia, where she specialized in domestic carnivores.

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