There were over 200,000 emotional support animals in the US in 2019. The concept of emotional support animals is much older than most of us would guess.
Legally speaking, it dates back to 1988, when additions were made to the Fair Housing Act. These changes made it illegal to refuse homes and apartments to the disabled to avoid reasonable accommodations.
One of the accommodations mentioned in this Act is the use of service animals. However, some states see a service animal as having more rights than an emotional support animal. Colorado is in a very interesting situation here, and we'll talk about it in this article.
Service vs. Emotional Support
If you're looking to move into a rental property in Colorado, it's important to understand the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal.
Service animals are specifically trained to perform tasks and help with the needs of a person with disabilities. This includes everything from seeing-eye dogs to allergen detection dogs and many others. Service animals are allowed in places that other animals aren't, including apartments.
Emotional support animals fill an interesting role in Colorado. They have a few of the same rights as service animals, but not all of them. Both service animals and emotional support animals must be allowed to live with their owners, even if the property doesn't traditionally allow animals.
Support and Verify
While all forms of housing recognize service animals and support animals, Colorado still has a few stipulations. The first, and arguably the biggest, is that you have to prove that your animal is a service or emotional support animal.
Service animals typically come with a license or certification, regardless of what state you're in. Emotional support animals are a bit different, though.
While you don't have to get an actual government certification for an emotional support animal, you will need to get a signed letter from a doctor confirming that the animal is for emotional support and that they are a licensed doctor who is qualified to make that decision.
Animals, Humans, and Eviction
There are a few rules that the animal must follow to live with you. The rules are fairly simple, though. So long as the animal doesn't damage the property or harm neighbors, it's fine.
If the animal breaks either of these rules, you may be asked to pay for damages or even get rid of them. They can't force you to move out, though. That can only be done if you break the contract or endanger the property or people living there.
Housing Laws for an Emotional Support Animal in Colorado
When it comes to housing and emotional support animals, Colorado is a fascinating state. We've discussed some of the state's laws regarding emotional support animals in this article, but there's always more to learn.
If you want to know more about property laws and investment in Colorado please visit our site. If you're looking to purchase a property in Colorado and have any questions feel free to contact us.
