Cal. Civ. Code § 22-9-7-9
Procedure to verify need for emotional support animal as a reasonable accommodation
Operative Text
Sec. 9. A person who offers to rent or otherwise make available a dwelling to an individual with a disability that is not readily apparent who seeks a reasonable accommodation for an emotional support animal in a dwelling may require that the individual provide written verification from a health service provider that: (1) the individual is an individual with a disability; (2) there is a disability related need for the emotional support animal to assist the individual; and (3) the emotional support animal assists the individual in managing the individual's disability.
Indiana Code § 22-9-7-9 addresses the verification process when a person with a non-apparent disability requests an emotional support animal (ESA) as a reasonable accommodation in a rental dwelling. Under this provision, a housing provider is permitted — but not required — to ask for written documentation from a health service provider confirming that the individual has a disability, that there is a disability-related need for the ESA, and that the animal helps the individual manage that disability. The rule applies specifically when the disability itself is not readily observable, distinguishing it from situations where a disability is obvious.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ind. Code § 22-9-7-9, housing providers who receive an ESA accommodation request from an applicant or resident whose disability is not readily apparent are generally permitted to request written verification from a qualified health service provider. Compliant operators typically ensure that any verification request is limited to the three elements specified in the statute — confirmation of disability status, a disability-related need for the animal, and how the animal assists the individual — without seeking additional medical records or diagnoses. Keeping consistent, documented procedures for handling such requests can help demonstrate that accommodation decisions are applied uniformly.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ind. Code § 22-9-7-9 establishes that tenants with non-apparent disabilities who request an emotional support animal accommodation may be asked to provide written verification from a health service provider, but the scope of that request is limited to the three elements defined in the statute. Tenants should be aware that a housing provider is not entitled to demand full medical records or a specific diagnosis — only the written confirmation described in this provision. Those who believe a verification request exceeds what the statute allows may consider contacting a local fair housing organization, a tenant-rights group, or a state civil rights agency to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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