Renting with an ESA in Dallas
Dallas renters choose between Uptown high-rises with rooftop dog runs, older garden apartments in East Dallas and duplexes in Oak Cliff. Newer buildings often advertise as pet friendly while charging deposits, monthly pet rent and breed limits, none of which should be applied to an assistance animal. Smaller owners in the older neighborhoods may simply not know the rules and need a calm explanation. The city runs its own Fair Housing Division, which investigates discrimination that happens inside Dallas city limits.
Neighborhoods we often hear from
- Uptown
- Oak Cliff
- Lakewood
- Deep Ellum
- Lower Greenville
- Bishop Arts District
Local help: City of Dallas Fair Housing Division
Texas ESA laws for Dallas renters
Texas has no statute written just for emotional support animals, so an ESA request in a Texas rental is a reasonable accommodation request under fair housing law. The Texas Workforce Commission's Civil Rights Division enforces fair housing in the state and looks at whether a landlord refused a change to a rule or policy that a tenant with a disability needed.
- Housing discrimination complaints have to reach the TWC Civil Rights Division within one year of the date the discrimination happened.
- You can file with TWC or with HUD, but not with both, so choose one route before you submit an inquiry form.
- TWC's housing process covers property located in Texas, and in most cases the owner must have more than three properties.
Your Dallas 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 Dallas.
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.
Dallas 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.