Housing Without Breed or Weight Limits: How a PSD Letter Changes Everything in Tennessee

Housing Without Breed or Weight Limits: How a PSD Letter Changes Everything in Tennessee

In Tennessee, pet-friendly housing can still come with frustrating restrictions. You might find the perfect apartment—ideal location, budget, amenities—only to be told your dog is “too big” or not the “right breed.” For many individuals who rely on their psychiatric service dogs (PSDs), this can feel like a wall they just can't get past.

But here’s what most people don’t realize: if your dog is a qualified PSD, housing rules about breed or weight simply don’t apply.

That’s not just a suggestion. It’s federal law.

The Legal Backbone: Federal Protections for PSDs

Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), individuals with disabilities who rely on service animals are protected from housing discrimination—including rules that would normally ban certain breeds or size limits. This applies nationwide, including Tennessee, no matter what a landlord or property manager might say.

This means if you have a legitimate PSD letter that documents your need for a psychiatric service dog, a housing provider cannot:

• Deny you based on the dog’s breed (even if it's a pit bull, German shepherd, or Doberman)

• Enforce pet weight limits (whether your PSD is 15 lbs or 115 lbs)

• Charge pet fees or deposits for your service animal

Tennessee: Where Pet Policies Clash with Mental Health Needs

While many cities across Tennessee are opening up to emotional wellness, housing markets haven’t quite caught up. Apartments in cities like Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga still enforce outdated pet rules, leaving tenants with limited options.

That’s where a PSD letter from PetCerts.com makes the difference.

When your dog is trained to assist with mental health conditions—whether that’s panic disorder, PTSD, major depression, or anxiety—your PSD isn’t seen as a pet. It’s a medical necessity. And once that’s documented properly, you’re protected by law.

How a PSD Letter Works in Practice

Let’s say you’ve found a high-rise apartment in downtown Nashville that doesn’t allow dogs over 30 pounds. But your PSD is a 75-pound lab trained to perform deep pressure therapy during panic attacks. With a valid PSD letter, the building must make a reasonable accommodation for you and your dog.

Landlords may request documentation of your need—but they can’t ask for details about your diagnosis, nor can they demand training records or medical files. A properly written PSD letter fulfills all legal requirements and keeps the conversation clear, respectful, and compliant.

At PetCerts.com, our PSD letters are designed to meet the Fair Housing Act’s exact standards, making housing access smoother and stress-free.

Travel + Housing: Dual Protection

The beauty of a PSD is that your rights aren’t limited to housing. If you travel, especially by air, your PSD may be eligible to accompany you without added fees or pet restrictions, depending on the airline and their policy under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).

That’s why many people choose to get both housing and travel PSD letters—for uninterrupted access and peace of mind whether they’re settling down or on the move.

You Don't Have to Settle

Living with a mental health condition is hard enough. Fighting for fair housing shouldn’t add to that burden. If your psychiatric service dog helps you live a stable, healthy life, then Tennessee laws—backed by federal protection—are on your side.

With the right documentation, you can live where you want, with the support you need—regardless of breed or weight.