My dog is very beneficial to me and my MI. He comforts me when I'm upset, encourages me to get out of bed and take him for walks each day, and makes me feel safer outside and in my home alone at night. I've heard about the term 'emotional support animal' mainly in the US: if you get a MH professional to certify that your animal supports your MI, then you are allowed an exception to 'no pet' policies in housing contracts, but I can't find out if this is also the case in the UK

I believe that my MI difficulties qualify as a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act and I'm sure that my doctor will write a letter confirming my dog as an emotional support animal, but I can't find anything online stating that this would force landlords to allow me to keep my dog as a 'reasonable adjustment' under the DDA in the UK. I am due to move into rented accommodation in September, but so far have been unable to find any rental properties to rent in that area that will accept pets (I currently live with my parents, but need to move to complete a Uni course).

Ideally I would like to find a landlord that welcomes pets but, failing that, can I legally request my dog/ESA stay with me as a reasonable adjustment under the DDA? Anyone with legal experience in UK housing law, or personal experience of this situation in the UK would be most appreciated.

*Willow*