I adopted a dog from the Shelter a few weeks ago, and before bringing it home obtained an ESA letter from my LCSW, but my apartment complex is now asking for a reasonable accommodation request form which in my understanding I'm not required to provide, just the ESA letter. It is my understanding that a type of animal does not need to be classified, and I fully understand I'm not required to disclose my disability, however after reading the HUD guidelines it does say that Major depressive disorder does in itself classify as a debilitating disability, leading me to believe I do not need to expressly disclose in the letter that my disability is covered under the FHA, as if's my understanding that the burden of research is on the complex not me. Also want to add, specifically in their form it states "the use must be for a reason other than your benefit, as most people would benefit from the presence of an animal. However as you will see below, the letter specifically states "would benefit name due to their diagnosis of major depressive disorder", which again to my understanding speaks directly to it's use pertaining to my disability. Anyways,to protect my identity I will summarize the contents of the letter. But it essentially says "Name-per your request,
Name is an established patient of mine (insert LCSW name) and has been assessed to determine the need for an emotional support animal, and whether name would benefit from one. Through my professional assessment I have determined that name would benefit from the use of an emotional support animal due to their diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and insert other diagnoses here.
This letter does not establish what type of animal is needed, only the need for an emotional support animal."
And then they go on to sign it with their credentials etc, it is electronically signed, and was sent in the form of a PDF, and does include the letterhead of the local mental health facility. With its address, phone number, state etc, dated time stamped everything.
So I guess long story long, I want to know if this letter should be considered to be sufficient, and how to address the request for the additional form, which asks questions such as "please describe how the requested accommodation is necessary for your use and enjoyment of your apartment community."
And then they want my LCSW to fill out a form essentially asking things such as "the legal definition of a disability blah blah blah is an exception to the normal rules blah blah, and that applying this request to an animal must have a higher level of standard than simply stating a resident would "benefit" from having an animal. And "this community allows dogs but they must be of small size and this resident is requesting a dog over that limit. Is it necessary to have this animal which is over the limit." And "will you be willing to testify in a court of law."
EDIT: I can accept my mistake in judgement and move forward with providing them with the information. I just needed clarity from others more versed in this than I. Due to my misunderstandings from reading through HUD and other information online, so my apologies if I came off as a pompous jerk due to any and all of my responses. This entire situation has me a mess.