ESA Letter for Landlords

Emotional support animals (ESAs) can provide comfort to people with emotional disabilities. This can be problematic when looking for an apartment that does not allow pets. Here’s what you need to know about the Fair Housing Amendments Act and what you need in order to qualify.

Fair Housing Act Protection

Legislators signed the Fair Housing Act in 1988 to protect individuals with disabilities from housing discrimination. Part of the legislation allows people with mental, emotional or physical disabilities to petition landlords to allow them to keep support animals at properties that otherwise might be pet free.

If you’ve qualified for an ESA, your documentation entitles you to request reasonable rule or policy changes that allow you to keep your pet. Whether you’re looking for a new place to live or requesting your landlord allow an ESA at your current apartment, documentation must come from a mental health professional.

Prescription Requirements

To qualify for an emotional support animal, talk with a psychologist, psychiatrist or professional therapist about your condition. Once you are their patient, they can write you a letter that serves as your prescription. The letter should state the following:

• You have a disability listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
• Your disability keeps you from enjoying at least one everyday activity.
• An emotional service animal is a fundamental part of your therapy.

The prescription should be signed and dated on professional letterhead and include your healthcare professional’s licensing information. Present it to your landlord along with your request for a service animal. Property owners are required to waive pet deposits or associated fees, regardless of breed or animal size.

Learn more about how we can help you with your emotional support letter, or purchase your housing ESA today.