Renting with an ESA in Boston
Boston's triple-deckers, South End brownstone apartments and student-heavy blocks in Allston and Mission Hill make up much of the rental market. September 1 is when a huge share of leases turn over, so lots of people send accommodation requests exactly when landlords are busiest. Brokers often stand between you and the owner, which can add a step and some delay. The city's Office of Fair Housing and Equity investigates housing discrimination that happens in Boston within 180 days of the incident.
Neighborhoods we often hear from
- Allston
- Jamaica Plain
- South End
- Dorchester
- Mission Hill
- East Boston
Local help: City of Boston Office of Fair Housing and Equity
Massachusetts ESA laws for Boston renters
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.
Source: M.G.L. c. 151B, § 4 (unlawful practices, including housing)
Your Boston 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 Boston.
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.
Boston 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.