Renting with an ESA in Madison
Madison sits on an isthmus between two lakes, and rentals near the Capitol and the UW campus tend to be older houses converted to flats, plus newer high-rises along State Street. The east side has a mix of bungalows and smaller complexes. Madison's Department of Civil Rights runs an Equal Opportunities Division that takes housing discrimination complaints under city ordinance, which adds a local route. Many leases here are signed early for an August 15 move-in, so plan your request accordingly.
Neighborhoods we often hear from
- Willy Street
- Tenney-Lapham
- Vilas
- Greenbush
- Atwood
- Langdon
Local help: City of Madison Department of Civil Rights
Wisconsin ESA laws for Madison renters
Wisconsin's open housing law, Wis. Stat. 106.50, has its own provisions on emotional support animals. A landlord can't refuse to rent to you, evict you or charge you more because you have a disability-related need for an ESA. When documentation is requested, Wisconsin requires that it come from a health professional licensed or certified in Wisconsin.
- The statute's licensed health professional means a physician, psychologist, social worker or similar professional licensed or certified in Wisconsin and acting within that scope.
- A tenant who intentionally misrepresents a disability or need for an ESA to get housing forfeits at least $500 under 106.50(2r)(br)5.
- A health professional who misstates a patient's disability or need to help them get housing faces the same minimum $500 forfeiture.
Source: Wis. Stat. 106.50
Your Madison 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 Madison.
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.
Follow Wisconsin's documentation rules
Wisconsin law adds requirements before a letter counts, such as a minimum treatment relationship, an in-person visit or a clinician licensed in the state. The clinician explains what applies to you and when the letter can be issued.
Your signed letter arrives
Once the state's requirements are met and the clinician approves, the letter is emailed as a PDF with their license details. You pay only if it is approved.
Madison 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.