ESA and Service Animals

Service Animals required because of a disability and trained to perform a specific work or task are not considered pets. Emotional Support Animals (ESA) provide support through companionship and can help ease anxiety, depression, and certain phobias. The key difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal is whether the animal has been trained to perform a specific task or job directly related to the person's disability.

Landlords may ask for additional documentation if the disability is not easily determined, below is a sample list of that documentation.

● Reliable and verifiable documentation from a licensed treating medical doctor or treating mental health therapist who has an ongoing therapeutic relationship with the individual and is qualified to know of the individual's emotional or mental illness or the need for an ESA
●Evidence the ESA or Service Animal has received all necessary vaccinations
●A copy of the City of Chicago dog registration with the current date for the ESA, per Chicago Municipal Code, 07-12-140, dogs must be registered annually
●A photo and the name of the ESA or Service Animal
●An affidavit signed by the individual as to the legitimacy of their need for an ESA or Service Animal
●A signed acknowledgement of receipt of the ESA or Service Animal Registration Requirements and the ESA or Service Animal Rules and Guidelines and agreement to comply
●A signed acknowledgement by the individual agreeing to annual re-registration and re-filing of required documents as noted above when the lease is renewed

 

ESA and Service Animal Brochure

Baird & Warner fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. The Chicago Fair Housing Regulations prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military status, source of income or immigration status. Anybody using our services must abide by all Fair Housing Laws.