ESA-Friendly Housing in Virginia

Find apartments and rental properties in Virginia that welcome emotional support animals. Know your rights under Virginia law and the federal Fair Housing Act.

ESA Housing Rights in Virginia

Virginia follows federal FHA protections for ESA housing rights. The Virginia Human Rights Council handles housing discrimination complaints. Virginia law also provides specific protections for ESA owners, and landlords must make reasonable accommodations including waiving pet policies and deposits.

Landlord Rules in Virginia

Cannot charge pet deposits or pet rent for documented ESAs
Must make reasonable accommodations even in no-pet housing
Cannot impose breed, size, or weight restrictions on ESAs
May request ESA documentation but cannot demand detailed medical records
Misrepresenting an ESA is a misdemeanor with fines up to $250 under Va. Code Ann. 51.5-44.1
Cannot retaliate against tenants who request ESA accommodations

Key Statutes

Va. Code Ann. § 51.5-44 et seq. | 42 U.S.C. § 12182

Virginia Office of Civil Rights (within the Attorney General's Office)

ESA-Friendly Properties in Virginia — Coming Soon

We are building a directory of ESA-friendly properties in Virginia. In the meantime, remember that under the Fair Housing Act, most landlords are legally required to accommodate your ESA.

Know an ESA-Friendly Property in Virginia?

Help other ESA owners find welcoming housing. Submit a property and we will add it to the directory after review.

ESA Resources for Virginia

ESA Registration in Virginia ESA Letter in Virginia Housing Accommodation Toolkit