<h1 style="text-align: center;" data-start="430" data-end="525">HUD Withdrew Key ESA Guidance in September 2025 — What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know Now</h1>
<p data-start="527" data-end="1035">In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) quietly withdrew several long-standing Fair Housing guidance documents, including those most commonly relied upon for emotional support animal (ESA) housing accommodations. While the underlying <a href="https://www.realesaletter.com/blog/fair-housing-act-emotional-support-animal">Fair Housing Act (FHA)</a> remains fully in effect, the removal of HUD’s interpretive guidance has created uncertainty for both tenants and landlords about documentation standards, accommodation procedures, and enforcement expectations.</p>
<p data-start="1037" data-end="1405">This article explains what HUD withdrew, why the decision matters, what legal protections still exist, and how tenants and landlords should navigate ESA housing requests during this regulatory gap. It also explains how legitimate ESA letter providers can help tenants properly document their rights in an environment with fewer official guardrails.</p>
<hr data-start="1407" data-end="1410" />
<h2 data-start="1412" data-end="1449">What HUD Actually Withdrew in 2025</h2>
<p data-start="1451" data-end="1731">HUD did not repeal any laws in 2025. Instead, it withdrew several sub-regulatory guidance documents issued by its <a href="https://www.usa.gov/agencies/office-of-fair-housing-and-equal-opportunity">Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO)</a>. These documents had been used for years as practical explanations of how HUD interprets the Fair Housing Act.</p>
<p data-start="1733" data-end="1788">The most impactful withdrawals for ESA housing include:</p>
<ul data-start="1790" data-end="1928">
<li data-start="1790" data-end="1857">
<p data-start="1792" data-end="1857">HUD’s 2013 guidance on service animals and assistance animals</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1858" data-end="1928">
<p data-start="1860" data-end="1928">HUD’s 2020 guidance on assessing requests for assistance animals</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="1930" data-end="2097">These documents were not legally binding, but they were heavily relied upon by landlords, tenants, property managers, attorneys, and housing advocates. They clarified:</p>
<ul data-start="2099" data-end="2355">
<li data-start="2099" data-end="2139">
<p data-start="2101" data-end="2139">What qualifies as an assistance animal</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2140" data-end="2177">
<p data-start="2142" data-end="2177">When documentation may be requested</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2178" data-end="2233">
<p data-start="2180" data-end="2233">How landlords should evaluate disability-related need</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2234" data-end="2284">
<p data-start="2236" data-end="2284">How to handle breed, size, or insurance concerns</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2285" data-end="2355">
<p data-start="2287" data-end="2355">When an animal may be denied due to direct threat or property damage</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="2357" data-end="2512">Their removal does not change the law, but it removes HUD’s most detailed explanations of how the law should be applied in everyday housing situations.</p>
<h2 data-start="2519" data-end="2558">Why HUD’s Decision Created Confusion</h2>
<p data-start="2560" data-end="2759"><a href="http://www.hud.gov/">HUD</a> stated that the guidance withdrawal was part of a broader review of informal agency materials and a shift away from non-binding interpretations. The intention was administrative, not substantive.</p>
<p data-start="2761" data-end="2862">However, in practice, these documents functioned as the de facto rulebook for ESA accommodations.</p>
<p data-start="2864" data-end="2877">Without them:</p>
<ul data-start="2879" data-end="3129">
<li data-start="2879" data-end="2948">
<p data-start="2881" data-end="2948">Landlords no longer have a single authoritative checklist to follow</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2949" data-end="3000">
<p data-start="2951" data-end="3000">Tenants are unsure what documentation is “enough”</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3001" data-end="3061">
<p data-start="3003" data-end="3061">Property managers interpret FHA obligations inconsistently</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3062" data-end="3129">
<p data-start="3064" data-end="3129">Disputes escalate more quickly due to lack of shared expectations</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="3131" data-end="3184">The result is not fewer rights, but less clarity.</p>
<h2 data-start="3191" data-end="3256">What Still Applies: ESA Protections Under the Fair Housing Act</h2>
<p data-start="3258" data-end="3344">Despite the withdrawal of guidance, the Fair Housing Act itself remains unchanged.</p>
<h3 data-start="3346" data-end="3381">ESAs Are Not Pets Under the FHA</h3>
<p data-start="3383" data-end="3517">Under the FHA, emotional support animals are treated as disability-related accommodations, not pets. This distinction is critical.</p>
<p data-start="3519" data-end="3633">A tenant with a qualifying disability may request a reasonable accommodation to keep an ESA, even in housing with:</p>
<ul data-start="3635" data-end="3696">
<li data-start="3635" data-end="3652">
<p data-start="3637" data-end="3652">No-pet policies</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3653" data-end="3683">
<p data-start="3655" data-end="3683">Breed or weight restrictions</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3684" data-end="3696">
<p data-start="3686" data-end="3696">Pet limits</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="3698" data-end="3811">Landlords must evaluate the request through a reasonable accommodation framework, not a pet policy framework.</p>
<h2 data-start="3818" data-end="3860">The Core Legal Standard Has Not Changed</h2>
<p data-start="3862" data-end="3980">Even without HUD’s guidance documents, ESA accommodation requests are still evaluated using the same legal principles:</p>
<ol data-start="3982" data-end="4284">
<li data-start="3982" data-end="4047">
<p data-start="3985" data-end="4047">Does the tenant have a disability as defined by the FHA?</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4048" data-end="4115">
<p data-start="4051" data-end="4115">Is there a disability-related need for the animal (nexus)?</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4116" data-end="4167">
<p data-start="4119" data-end="4167">Is the requested accommodation reasonable?</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4168" data-end="4284">
<p data-start="4171" data-end="4284">Would the specific animal pose a direct threat or cause substantial property damage that cannot be mitigated?</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p data-start="4286" data-end="4430">These principles come directly from federal law and long-standing fair housing precedent. HUD’s guidance explained them—but did not create them.</p>
<hr data-start="4432" data-end="4435" />
<h2 data-start="4437" data-end="4477">Practical Impact on Tenants With ESAs</h2>
<p data-start="4479" data-end="4552">The biggest impact of the 2025 withdrawal is procedural, not substantive.</p>
<h3 data-start="4554" data-end="4598">More Inconsistent Documentation Requests</h3>
<p data-start="4600" data-end="4803">Without HUD’s 2020 guidance, landlords may now request documentation in different ways. Some may ask for more verification than before, while others may be unsure what they are allowed to request at all.</p>
<p data-start="4805" data-end="4915">Tenants should expect greater variability and be prepared to submit clear, professional ESA documentation.</p>
<h3 data-start="4917" data-end="4954">Increased Scrutiny of ESA Letters</h3>
<p data-start="4956" data-end="5160">The absence of HUD’s guidance has also led to increased skepticism about ESA letters, especially those obtained online. This makes the quality and legitimacy of documentation more important than ever.</p>
<p data-start="5162" data-end="5281">Generic certificates, registrations, or letters without licensed provider information are more likely to be challenged.</p>
<h3 data-start="5283" data-end="5308">Slower Response Times</h3>
<p data-start="5310" data-end="5557">HUD’s withdrawn guidance previously emphasized prompt handling of accommodation requests. Without it, some landlords may delay decisions. Tenants should protect themselves by submitting requests in writing and keeping records of all communication.</p>
<hr data-start="5559" data-end="5562" />
<h2 data-start="5564" data-end="5603">What Landlords Can and Cannot Do Now</h2>
<h3 data-start="5605" data-end="5630">What Landlords Can Do</h3>
<p data-start="5632" data-end="5652">Landlords may still:</p>
<ul data-start="5654" data-end="5978">
<li data-start="5654" data-end="5718">
<p data-start="5656" data-end="5718">Require tenants to formally request a reasonable accommodation</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5719" data-end="5794">
<p data-start="5721" data-end="5794">Request reliable documentation when the disability or need is not obvious</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5795" data-end="5853">
<p data-start="5797" data-end="5853">Evaluate whether a specific animal poses a direct threat</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5854" data-end="5927">
<p data-start="5856" data-end="5927">Hold tenants responsible for actual property damage caused by an animal</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5928" data-end="5978">
<p data-start="5930" data-end="5978">Enforce reasonable behavior and sanitation rules</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-start="5980" data-end="6008">What Landlords Cannot Do</h3>
<p data-start="6010" data-end="6028">Landlords may not:</p>
<ul data-start="6030" data-end="6331">
<li data-start="6030" data-end="6078">
<p data-start="6032" data-end="6078">Deny an ESA solely because of a no-pets policy</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6079" data-end="6134">
<p data-start="6081" data-end="6134">Charge pet fees, pet rent, or pet deposits for an ESA</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6135" data-end="6191">
<p data-start="6137" data-end="6191">Require excessive medical records or diagnosis details</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6192" data-end="6261">
<p data-start="6194" data-end="6261">Impose blanket breed or size bans without individualized assessment</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6262" data-end="6331">
<p data-start="6264" data-end="6331">Require ESA “registration” or certification from a specific company</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="6333" data-end="6436">The withdrawal of HUD guidance does not grant landlords new authority to deny valid accommodations.</p>
<hr data-start="6438" data-end="6441" />
<h2 data-start="6443" data-end="6501">How to Check ESA Requests During This Regulatory Gap</h2>
<h3 data-start="6503" data-end="6533">Best Practices for Tenants</h3>
<p data-start="6535" data-end="6619">Tenants should submit a clean, well-documented accommodation request, including:</p>
<ul data-start="6621" data-end="6837">
<li data-start="6621" data-end="6693">
<p data-start="6623" data-end="6693">A written request referencing a reasonable accommodation under the FHA</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6694" data-end="6744">
<p data-start="6696" data-end="6744">A legitimate ESA letter from a licensed provider</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6745" data-end="6781">
<p data-start="6747" data-end="6781">Basic information about the animal</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6782" data-end="6837">
<p data-start="6784" data-end="6837">A willingness to comply with reasonable conduct rules</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="6839" data-end="7058">Tenants may also benefit from reviewing state-specific ESA housing rules, such as those outlined in resources like <a href="https://www.realesaletter.com/california-esa-laws">California ESA Laws</a>, <em data-start="6989" data-end="7014">Texas ESA Tenant Rights</em>, or <em data-start="7019" data-end="7057">New York Fair Housing ESA Guidelines</em>.</p>
<h3 data-start="7060" data-end="7092">Best Practices for Landlords</h3>
<p data-start="7094" data-end="7111">Landlords should:</p>
<ul data-start="7113" data-end="7343">
<li data-start="7113" data-end="7179">
<p data-start="7115" data-end="7179">Use a consistent internal process for all accommodation requests</p>
</li>
<li data-start="7180" data-end="7253">
<p data-start="7182" data-end="7253">Engage in an interactive dialogue rather than issuing immediate denials</p>
</li>
<li data-start="7254" data-end="7284">
<p data-start="7256" data-end="7284">Document decisions carefully</p>
</li>
<li data-start="7285" data-end="7343">
<p data-start="7287" data-end="7343">Seek fair housing training or legal guidance when unsure</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="7345" data-end="7482">Many property managers are now developing internal policies modeled after withdrawn HUD guidance to reduce risk and maintain consistency.</p>
<hr data-start="7484" data-end="7487" />
<h2 data-start="7489" data-end="7543">The Role of Legitimate ESA Letter Providers in 2026</h2>
<p data-start="7545" data-end="7653">With less HUD guidance available, credible ESA documentation plays a critical role in reducing disputes.</p>
<h3 data-start="7655" data-end="7694">What Makes an ESA Letter Legitimate</h3>
<p data-start="7696" data-end="7727">A legitimate ESA letter should:</p>
<ul data-start="7729" data-end="7984">
<li data-start="7729" data-end="7785">
<p data-start="7731" data-end="7785">Be issued by a licensed mental health professional</p>
</li>
<li data-start="7786" data-end="7833">
<p data-start="7788" data-end="7833">Include provider credentials and jurisdiction</p>
</li>
<li data-start="7834" data-end="7892">
<p data-start="7836" data-end="7892">Clearly state the disability-related need for the animal</p>
</li>
<li data-start="7893" data-end="7920">
<p data-start="7895" data-end="7920">Be current and verifiable</p>
</li>
<li data-start="7921" data-end="7984">
<p data-start="7923" data-end="7984">Avoid references to “registration” or certification databases</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-start="7986" data-end="8036">How RealESALetter Fits Into This</h3>
<p data-start="8038" data-end="8211">RealESALetter assists tenants in obtaining an <a href="https://www.realesaletter.com/">ESA letter</a> through evaluations conducted by licensed providers, with documentation designed to comply with Fair Housing Act standards.</p>
<p data-start="8213" data-end="8322">In an environment where HUD no longer provides detailed instructions, professionally issued ESA letters help:</p>
<ul data-start="8324" data-end="8508">
<li data-start="8324" data-end="8359">
<p data-start="8326" data-end="8359">Demonstrate good-faith compliance</p>
</li>
<li data-start="8360" data-end="8389">
<p data-start="8362" data-end="8389">Reduce landlord uncertainty</p>
</li>
<li data-start="8390" data-end="8421">
<p data-start="8392" data-end="8421">Minimize unnecessary disputes</p>
</li>
<li data-start="8422" data-end="8508">
<p data-start="8424" data-end="8508">Keep accommodation discussions focused on legal standards rather than internet myths</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="8510" data-end="8719">Tenants can also explore educational resources such as <em data-start="8565" data-end="8594">ESA Housing Rights by State</em>, <em data-start="8596" data-end="8629">ESA vs Service Animal Explained</em>, and <em data-start="8635" data-end="8684">Landlord Obligations Under the Fair Housing Act</em> to better understand their rights.</p>
<h2 data-start="8726" data-end="8743">Final Takeaway</h2>
<p data-start="8745" data-end="8818"><a href="https://differ.blog/p/hud-withdrew-key-esa-guidance-in-2025-here-s-what-tenants-and-landlord-305d35">HUD’s 2025 withdrawal of ESA-related guidance</a> removed clarity, not rights. The Fair Housing Act continues to protect tenants with disabilities who rely on emotional support animals. What has changed is the lack of a centralized, official explanation of how those protections should be applied in daily housing decisions.</p>
<p data-start="9071" data-end="9095">In this new environment:</p>
<ul data-start="9097" data-end="9294">
<li data-start="9097" data-end="9158">
<p data-start="9099" data-end="9158">Tenants must be proactive, organized, and well-documented</p>
</li>
<li data-start="9159" data-end="9231">
<p data-start="9161" data-end="9231">Landlords must rely on FHA principles and individualized assessments</p>
</li>
<li data-start="9232" data-end="9294">
<p data-start="9234" data-end="9294">Legitimate ESA documentation has never been more important</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="9296" data-end="9445">Until HUD issues updated guidance, the safest path forward is cooperation, professionalism, and adherence to the core principles of fair housing law.</p>
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