What’s an ESA Letter, and What Renters Need to Know about Emotional Support Animals
If you’ve ever relied on a furry companion to help you through tough times, you’re not alone. You may have heard about ESAs, which stands for Emotional Support Animals, and it’s more than just a cute nickname for your pet. For many renters, having an ESA letter can be the key to living with their animal in housing where they may otherwise be disqualified.
What Is an ESA Letter?
An ESA letter is a document from a licensed mental health professional (like a therapist or psychiatrist) that states you have a mental or emotional disability and that your animal provides necessary support for. It’s important to note this is not the same thing as a service animal certification, and it doesn’t require any special training for your pet. The letter is all about your needs, not your animal’s abilities.
How Does an ESA Letter Help Renters?
Under the federal Fair Housing Act, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with emotional support animals, even in buildings that have a no-pets policy or charge pet fees.
That means with a valid ESA letter:
You can live with your support animal even if the building doesn’t normally allow pets or your specific breed.
You can’t be charged extra pet rent or deposits just because you have an ESA.
Your landlord must consider your request seriously—denial is only allowed under specific legal circumstances.
In short: it helps renters who depend on their animals keep their animals without jumping through unreasonable hoops.
Common Traps to Avoid
Like anything tied to mental health and housing, ESA letters come with a few things to watch out for:
1. Fake Certifications
There are tons of sketchy websites out there claiming to issue “instant” ESA letters or offering things like ESA “registries” or “certificates.” The truth? There’s no such thing as a national ESA registry. If you didn’t speak to a licensed therapist who evaluated your need, it’s not a legitimate letter—and landlords know how to spot the fakes.
2. Expired or Outdated Letters
ESA letters typically need to be renewed annually, especially if you move or your landlord requests updated documentation. A letter from three years ago might not cut it—especially if it doesn’t include current licensing info for the provider.
3. Not Understanding Your Rights (or Your Responsibilities)
While ESA letters offer important protections, they don’t mean your animal can cause damage or disruption without consequences. You’re still responsible for your animal’s behavior—and landlords can deny ESA accommodations in cases of legitimate safety or health concerns.
ESAs also are not freely allowed in public spaces in the same way service animals are. Just because you have an ESA doesn’t legally entitle you to bring that pet into a restaurant or store unless the establishment’s rules state otherwise. There are different levels of legal protection for different types of animals, and its key to understand the differences.
Looking for a Legitimate ESA Letter?
We partner with Therapy Animal Hub to help our clients get real, compliant ESA letters from licensed professionals. If you qualify, you’ll get $70 off your letter by entering code SMARTCITY at checkout.
Whether you’re moving soon or just want to get your documentation in order, we’re here to help you (and your emotional support animal) find your next home with confidence.
