Question: I live in a no pets private apartment complex. My cousin told me I have a right to an emotional support animal because of my mental problems. Is that correct?
Answer: The ADA does not apply to private apartment complexes however the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) does. Under the FHA a person with a disability has a right to reasonable accommodation, if the accommodation is necessary to afford the person an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling unit, including public and common use areas. Emotional support animals are frequently required to be permitted as a reasonable accommodation, even if a housing provider has a "no animals" or "no pets" policy.
Keep in mind that you have to have a disability as defined under the Fair Housing Act and the animal must be necessary (not just a benefit) for you to live there. The definition of disability is "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity."