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Midwest · ESA letter laws · Iowa

Does Iowa have its own ESA law?

Educational content, not legal advice. For your specific situation, consult a state-licensed attorney.

What the law says

Iowa Code §§ 216.8B & 216.8C govern assistance animals in housing (including FHA-qualifying ESAs), bar requiring a diagnosis, reject online registrations as proof, and require a licensed provider's written finding.

Source: Iowa Code §§ 216.8B & 216.8C (Assistance animals in housing) ↗

In plain language

Yes — Iowa’s §§ 216.8B and 216.8C set the process for assistance animals (including ESAs that qualify under the federal FHA) in housing: a landlord may request a licensed provider’s written finding, cannot demand a diagnosis, and an online “registration” or ID card does not count. A legitimate provider letter is what meets the standard. This is general information, not legal advice — consult an Iowa-licensed attorney about your situation.

Read the full Iowa esa letter laws guide

This page covers one question; the full guide walks through the federal floor, state-specific carve-outs, the documentation standard, and the accommodation process.

ESA letter laws in Iowa →

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