Emotional Support Animals (ESA)s are covered under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). A landlord may ask and you should be prepared to provide a letter from a licensed mental health professional.

The letter should state the person would benefit from an emotional support animal in their daily life.

The landlord/owner does not have the right to the details of your emotional issue, just that you do need this animal to function in a normal capacity. So the letter need not disclose those details and the landlord may be in violation of the law by asking for details.

ESA emotional support animals are exempt from any pet rent or additional fees. However be aware you could be held responsible for any damages.

PLEASE Note I am not a lawyer, I don't play one on TV and you should ask any legal questions of a qualified legal professional.

"In order to be protected by FHA laws, the ESA owner must have a diagnosed disability and provide documentation to the property owner or housing representative.
The benefits of FHA laws include the fact that property owners cannot charge an advance deposit or fees for ESAs. ESA owners should note, however, that if significant damage is done, or if it becomes apparent that the animal is being neglected, the property owner might be able to recoup fees later.
Property owners also cannot question the disability, require the animal to wear identification as an Emotional Support Animal, or refuse housing.
In short, FHA laws protect verified ESA owners who properly care for the animal but may not protect owners who are negligent or destructive."

via www.certapet.com

You may also want to go to HUD.gov

I don't know what the laws are in your state.

However, if you truly have a disability and a prescribed support animal, providing documentation or paying the pet fee should not be an issue at all for you.

Claiming to have one of these without a certification from a qualified medical professional may result in federal charges against you.

"Most anonymous writers are in need of some form of emotional support, that is all the proof I would need, I truly believe you. Unfortunately I'm not a licensed medical doctor, otherwise I would write your note.

Would an emotional support human work?"

I think Dave Martin (703) 585-4687 gave you a great answer.

In Massachusetts 

Although these animals often have therapeutic benefits, they are not individually trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers. Under the ADA and Massachusetts law, owners of public accommodations are not required to allow emotional support animals, only service animals or dog guides.

The State makes those decissions and thank goodness North Dakota just fell in line and are making those who claim an animal as a service animal have proof from a doctor that it is indeed a service animal.

I don't handle rentals, so I really don't know. Sounds like something you need to ask an attorney. That being said Dave Martin (703) 585-4687 provided a good start to your answer, as did Candice A. Donofrio 

I believe it depends on the state you are in. Here in CA, you do some documents that it is your support animal and yes, it is usually a pet deposit or can be even an increased rent (depends on the animal).

Yes, a landlord can charge you a pet fee for any animal. Here it is half a months rent. I am sure if they felt the emotional support animal was just a way of getting an animal into a place that didn't take animals, they could require proof. Good luck.

I wish you all the best with this.  

The answer to your first and second questions are most likely governed by local laws. The whole idea of emotional support animals and what qualifies as an emotional support animal and who qualifies as being in need of an emotional support animal is still evolving.

As for the extra fee for having a pet in you rented property, my guess is the answer to that question is "yes". 

I don't know the legal answer but my opinion is "yes" one should have some sort of proof - otherwise all pets are "emotional support" animals. Also in my opinion one is better off not reinforcing or supporting any non-optimum situations.

Of course you have to prove your claim.

Yes, no & no! Although you will have to have been seen by a licensed mental health professional to determine your disability and to obtain your letter of proof. Said letter expires concurrently with your lease and must be renewed. There are fees involved.

Looks like you got some good answers ... wishing you the best.

First, the landlord has the legal right to know who you are mr/ms Annonymous.  

Consult with your broker.

yes .... yes .... yes to rent charge usually around $30 per month in my area plus a deposit for that animal.

Do you have a support ferret?

Yes they can ask you for the certififation of the animal. No they can not charge extra rent for the animal. 

You have some good information from Candice A. Donofrio. 

That's a great question for a real estate attorney. 

Candice gave you the answer to your situation....

Candice A. Donofrio has a great answer.  As always, you should consult a lawyer with any legal questions.

You have a good answer both from Dave Martin (703) 585-4687 and Candice A. Donofrio .

I think this may vary by state.

I've never heard of pet rent.  Why would you not willingly provide Dr proof?

I don't do property management.

Good question but do not know.

To claim a pet as a ESA you must be able to supply documentation

Check hud.gov

How to get a dream job?

Yes a landlord can ask for proof in most states. OR they can just ignore you and never rent to you. Think of it this way if I have a pig or a mountain lion as my indoor support animal why would landlord be responsible for possible damages?

yes

Proof - yes

Extra rent - don't think so; protected class

Yes and yes...it can get dicey however as advocate groups can get vicious

All pet owners should be imprisoned for the crime of hostage taking (imprisonment).

The 'entitlement' mentality of pet owner and those who claim the need of emotional support, that allow their pets to defecate on someones property is a criminal.

How can anyone with a conscience take an animal prisoner and claim this act humanitarian?

Unfortunately, a conscience is not needed by those who pass laws allowing critters to usurp property owner rights.

Has anyone given thought to human beings who are are hypoallergenic and must live in place NEVER occupied by filthy animals?

Someday we will need to explain to our great grand kids that in our day, dogs didn't have the right to vote. Pets, and those who hold them imprisoned, have more rights than many human beings. Absurd.

NOTE: I am an animal imprisoner but I do not impose my deviant behavior on others and leave my prisoner home in the house I own. Buy the house your critter will defaecate in and don't impose your entitlement thinking on the innocent land owner. If your critter does not come with a blue leash, your entitlement should be revoked.