According to an internal memo published by The New York Times, HUD plans to tighten rules around emotional support animals.
- Under the new policy, emotional support animals would no longer automatically qualify for exemptions in animal-free residences.
- HUD officials argue that misuse of emotional support animal designations has grown, stating that “an entire industry has emerged to convert pets into emotional support animals.”
- Landlords would still be required to accept service animals, but the standards for qualifying as a service animal would become more stringent, with the changes taking effect immediately.
