How ESA Letters Work in Colorado
The federal Fair Housing Act covers all of Colorado. It lets a person with a mental health condition ask a landlord or HOA to make room for an emotional support animal, even in a "no pets" building.
Your letter needs to come from a mental health provider licensed in Colorado. We set that up. Your provider talks with you about your symptoms and how your animal helps. If an ESA makes sense for you, they write your letter.
Denver and the Front Range
Denver, Aurora, Lakewood and Littleton have plenty of newer apartment buildings, and many of them charge a pet deposit plus monthly pet rent. Those fees add up fast. With an approved ESA, a landlord cannot charge them for your animal. You still pay for any damage.
Some buildings also limit dog size or breed. Those rules do not apply to an approved emotional support animal either.
Mountain Towns With Few Rentals
In ski and mountain towns, rentals can be very hard to find. Workers in places like Summit County, Vail and Steamboat often take whatever opens up. When the one available unit says "no pets," it can feel like you have to choose between a place to live and your animal. An ESA letter gives you a way to ask.
Colorado Springs and Military Life
Colorado Springs is home to Fort Carson and the Air Force Academy. Military families move in and out often, and each new lease brings new pet rules. If an emotional support animal is part of how you or a family member manages stress or PTSD, a Colorado-licensed provider can help.
Boulder, Fort Collins and College Life
Students at CU Boulder, Colorado State and the University of Denver often live in shared rentals for the first time. Leaving home, heavy classes and money stress can bring on anxiety or depression. Many college housing options follow fair housing rules. Ask your housing office how they handle ESA requests.
Shorter Days in Winter
Colorado gets plenty of sun, but winter days are still short and cold. For some people, mood drops when the days get dark early. A steady animal at home can help. If that sounds like you, a provider can talk with you about whether an ESA belongs in your care.
What a Colorado Landlord Can Still Ask
- To see your letter, if your need is not obvious.
- That your animal is under control and house-trained.
- That you cover any damage your animal causes.
They cannot ask what your diagnosis is or ask for your medical records.
Getting Started in Colorado
Fill out the form with a few details about you and your animal. A Colorado-licensed provider reviews your answers and talks with you. You can do it from your apartment in Denver or a cabin up a mountain road.
When your letter is ready, send it to your landlord or property manager before you sign a lease, or as soon as you can if you already live there. Keep a copy in a safe place.
Price
The evaluation is $150, and each extra pet is $100. Your letter is usually ready within one business day after your evaluation. See our Good Faith Estimate.
Colorado ESA Letter Questions
Does my provider need a Colorado license?
Yes. For housing in Colorado, your letter should come from a mental health provider licensed in Colorado. We match you with one.
Can a Denver landlord charge pet rent for my ESA?
No. A landlord cannot charge pet rent or a pet deposit for an approved emotional support animal. You still pay for any damage.
I live in a mountain town. Can I still get evaluated?
Yes. Start with the form on this page. Our team reaches out to set up your evaluation wherever you live in Colorado.
Does my letter work in a Colorado HOA?
HOAs are covered by the Fair Housing Act. A valid letter lets you ask them to make room for your emotional support animal.