December 9, 2025 6 min read

Colorado has become an increasingly popular state for ESA owners due to its strong tenant protections, scenic outdoor lifestyle, and pet-friendly culture. But ESA laws here still cause confusion — especially with changes to state misrepresentation rules and the difference between ESA rights vs. service dog rights.

This guide breaks it all down in a clear, supportive, 2025-ready format so you always know what landlords can (and cannot) require, how to stay compliant, and what steps to take if your ESA request is denied.

📘 Jump To: Colorado ESA Laws (2025)

• Are ESAs Recognized in Colorado?
• Colorado ESA Laws Explained
  • Housing Rights Under FHA
  • Colorado’s ESA Misrepresentation Law
  • Travel Rights
  • Public Access Rules
• How to Get a Valid ESA Letter in Colorado
• What Colorado Landlords Can Ask For
• How Many ESAs Are Allowed
• When a Landlord Can Deny an ESA
• How to File a HUD Complaint in Colorado
• Colorado ESA FAQs
• Final Summary

🟦 Are ESAs Recognized in Colorado?

Yes. Emotional support animals are recognized in Colorado for housing purposes, and tenants with disabilities who rely on ESAs are protected under federal law. Colorado also has its own state-level guidance — especially regarding misrepresentation and service animal fraud.

Here’s the quick overview:

• Housing: Fully protected (FHA)
• Travel: ESAs not protected (federal rule)
• Public access: No rights for ESAs
• Schools & workplaces: Case-by-case
• Colorado misrepresentation penalties: Active and enforced

Overall, Colorado is a supportive state for responsible ESA ownership as long as documentation is legitimate.

🟦 Colorado ESA Laws Explained

Colorado uses a combination of:

1. Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA)
2. Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS § 18-13-107.3) — misrepresentation
3. Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) — enforcement body

This gives ESA owners strong housing protections but strict rules against misuse.

🟩 Housing Rights Under FHA

Colorado landlords must comply with federal FHA guidelines. This means they must:

✔ Allow ESAs in all housing types

“No-pet” policies cannot override ESA accommodations.

✔ Waive all pet fees

No pet rent, deposits, administrative fees, or breed surcharges.

✔ Approve ESAs regardless of breed, size, or weight

Colorado does not allow breed discrimination when a disability accommodation is valid.

✔ Consider multiple ESAs when clinically justified

There is no legal limit.

✔ Provide timely responses to accommodation requests

Delays or ignoring requests may violate federal law.

These protections apply across Colorado — including Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Boulder, and mountain towns.

🟥 Colorado’s ESA Misrepresentation Law (CRS § 18-13-107.3)

Colorado enforces penalties for misrepresenting an animal as a service animal.
This law does NOT apply to legitimate ESA owners, and it does NOT punish people who simply request ESA accommodations.

However, it does reaffirm the importance of:

• Proper documentation
• Honest representation
• Understanding the difference between ESAs and service dogs

Penalties may include fines or community service for intentional misrepresentation.

🟧 Travel Rights in Colorado

Travel rights follow federal DOT rules:

❌ ESAs are no longer accepted as service animals on airlines.

Only psychiatric service dogs qualify for flight access.

If a Colorado resident needs in-cabin travel privileges, transitioning from ESA → PSD may be appropriate.

🟫 Public Access Rules

ESAs do not have public access rights in Colorado. It is management’s discretion to grant access for an public business or entity.

Only trained service dogs are legally allowed in:

• Restaurants
• Medical offices
• Hotels
• Stores
• Public transit
• Public buildings

ESAs may be welcomed voluntarily by some businesses, but it is not a legal requirement.

🟦 How to Get a Valid ESA Letter in Colorado (2025)

A Colorado ESA letter must:

✔ Come from a licensed mental health professional

Accepted providers include Colorado-licensed:

• Therapists
• Psychologists
• Physicians
• Clinical social workers
• Counselors
• Nurse practitioners

✔ Be issued after a clinical evaluation

Telehealth sessions are accepted nationwide.

✔ Include the disability-related need

No diagnosis details required.

✔ Be written on official letterhead

Including Colorado license number and credentials.

✔ Follow HUD documentation guidelines

NSAR ESA letters meet all Colorado requirements, including:

• A proper telehealth evaluation
• HUD-compliant documentation
• A 100% refund guarantee if not approved

Start Your Colorado ESA Evaluation → Begin Here

🟧 What Colorado Landlords Can Legally Ask For

Colorado landlords may request:

• A valid ESA letter
• Verification of the clinician’s license
• Confirmation that the animal is not dangerous
• Documentation for the accommodation (HUD-aligned)

They may not request:

• Diagnosis details
• Medical records
• Treatment history
• Proof of training
• ESA “registration” or “certification”, although highly recommended
• Additional pet fees
• Photos of the ESA
• Breed-specific restrictions

Colorado strongly supports privacy and equal housing access for ESA owners.

🟫 How Many ESAs Are Allowed in Colorado?

There is no limit on the number of ESAs allowed.
Approval depends on:

• Clinical justification
• The animals not posing safety issues
• Reasonable accommodation standards

Multiple ESAs are common in Colorado due to co-occurring mental health conditions.

🟥 Can a Colorado Landlord Deny an ESA?

Yes — but only under specific circumstances.

A landlord may deny an ESA if:

• The ESA is aggressive or poses a direct threat
• The animal has caused substantial property damage
• Documentation is fraudulent
• The tenant refuses to provide documentation
• The accommodation creates undue hardship

A landlord may NOT deny an ESA for:

• Breed or size
• “No-pet” rules
• Insurance concerns
• Personal preference
• HOA or apartment policies
• Fear or stereotypes

Illegal denials may be reported through HUD or the Colorado Civil Rights Division.

🟦 How to File a HUD Complaint in Colorado

Here’s the process step-by-step:

1. Gather your ESA letter
2. Save any written communication with the landlord
3. File a complaint through HUD’s online portal
4. HUD assigns an investigator
5. The landlord is required to respond
6. Mediation or enforcement follows

Colorado residents may also file through the Colorado Civil Rights Division, which handles housing discrimination cases locally.

🟩 Colorado ESA FAQs

Are ESAs allowed in Colorado housing?
Yes — protected under FHA.

Can Colorado landlords charge pet fees?
No. All ESA fees must be waived.

Does Colorado allow breed restrictions for ESAs?
No. Breed restrictions do not apply to ESA housing accommodations.

Do ESAs have public access rights in Colorado?
No — only service dogs do.

Are ESAs allowed in dormitories?
Yes. ESA rules also apply to campus housing.

Do airlines accept ESAs in Colorado?
No. Only psychiatric service dogs qualify under federal DOT rules.

🟦 Summary of Colorado ESA Rights (2025)

Colorado offers strong protections for emotional support animal owners, ensuring tenants with a valid ESA letter can:

• Live with their ESA regardless of breed or size
• Avoid all pet-related fees
• Request accommodations without discrimination
• Challenge wrongful denials through HUD or CCRD

A properly issued ESA letter ensures your rights are fully protected throughout Colorado.

Ready to get your Colorado ESA letter? Start your evaluation today.

🔗 Related Articles

1. How to Get an ESA Letter for Housing (2025 Guide)
2. ESA vs Psychiatric Service Dog: Which One Do You Need?
3. How to File a HUD Complaint for Housing Discrimination
4. Are Online ESA Letters Legit? A 2025 Breakdown