Massachusetts ESA laws
Massachusetts has no statute written just for emotional support animals. Instead, renters lean on the federal Fair Housing Act together with Chapter 151B of the General Laws, which treats a refusal to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies or services as housing discrimination. In practice, a clear letter from a licensed clinician is usually what a Boston-area landlord or condo board asks to see.
- Chapter 151B, Section 4 bars handicap discrimination in housing and specifically covers refusing a reasonable accommodation, which is the state-law basis for an ESA request.
- Complaints about a denied request can go to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, which has offices in Boston, Springfield, Worcester and Fall River.
- A no-pets clause in a lease or condo bylaw does not by itself settle the question; the landlord still has to weigh your accommodation request.
- HUD guidance lets a landlord ask for information showing your need for the animal, but not for a diagnosis or your full medical records.
Source: M.G.L. c. 151B, § 4 (unlawful practices, including housing)
Your Massachusetts ESA letter, step by step
Book a time
Pick a phone or video slot online and answer a short questionnaire about how you are feeling and the animal you live with in Massachusetts.
Talk with a licensed clinician
A licensed clinician spends about 5–10 minutes with you and decides whether an emotional support animal is part of your care.
Get your signed letter
If the clinician approves, your letter is emailed to you as a PDF with their license details. If not, you are not charged.
Share it with your housing provider
Send the letter with a short reasonable accommodation request. Keep copies of everything you send and receive.
Massachusetts ESA letter cost
| Letter | Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ESA letter | Up to 2 animals | $129 |
| ESA letter | 3 or more animals | $199 |
Booking is free and you're charged only if your letter is approved.
What an ESA letter covers
Rentals and other housing
A letter supports a reasonable accommodation request, so a housing provider considers an exception to no-pet rules or pet fees for your animal.
Not flights or stores
Airlines treat emotional support animals as pets, and stores or restaurants do not have to admit them. Only trained service dogs have those rights.
Any common species
Dogs and cats are most common, but the letter is about your need for the animal, not its breed or training.
Reasonable limits apply
A provider can still refuse an animal that poses a direct threat or causes serious damage.
What to do if a landlord in Massachusetts denies your ESA
Ask the housing provider to put the refusal and its reason in writing. You can then contact the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) or file a complaint with HUD. Many renters settle the issue at this stage simply by asking for a written decision.
Have a dog trained to do specific tasks for a psychiatric condition? See the Massachusetts psychiatric service dog letter.