Emotional support animals can help people who are struggling with mental health disorders. That said, if you want to enjoy the benefits that are awarded to those who have emotional support animals, you need to have an emotional support animal (ESA) letter.
Without one of these letters, you won’t be able to live in housing that’s not pet-friendly. You may also have to pay pet fees. The good news? In this guide, we show you how to get an ESA letter for housing. Read on to learn more below.
What Is an ESA Letter for Housing?
An ESA letter for housing is a letter that’s written by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). This is a letter that explains why you need an ESA, how an ESA helps your situation, and some details about your pet and situation. The letter must be signed by an LMHP, and that professional must be licensed in your state.
Depending on your situation, you can get an ESA letter in person or online, so there are plenty of options available.
Who Qualifies for an ESA Letter for Housing?
Anyone who has a mental health disability can qualify for an emotional support animal. As long as you have a mental health disorder that impacts your lifestyle, you can connect with a licensed mental health professional to determine if you qualify. Some examples of conditions that qualify include anxiety, depression, chronic loneliness, stress, and bipolar disorder.
How to Get an ESA Letter for Housing
To get an ESA letter for housing, the steps aren’t complicated. We cover how to get an ESA letter for housing in person and online below.
How to Get an ESA Letter for Housing Online
The best way to get an ESA letter for housing, if you don’t already have a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), is to apply for one online. That said, before you apply for one online, you need to choose the right organization. The good news? Emotional Support Animal makes the process of getting an ESA letter a breeze.
Once you have a reliable organization on your side, like Emotional Support Animal, you can begin the application process. At Emotional Support Animal, the steps are as follows:
- Have a pet you’re willing to make an emotional support animal.
- Fill out the online form.
- Schedule a call with a licensed mental health professional.
- Take your call with a licensed mental health professional.
- Wait for your ESA letter to arrive; copies can be available online quickly.
These steps are similar across the board. Still, keep an eye out for any ESA housing letter providers who try to get around these steps or promise faster results. Unfortunately, they can be scams.
How to Get an ESA Letter for Housing In Person
Of course, you can also go the in-person route. The steps for this process are simple. All you need to do is find an LMHP in your area or schedule an appointment with one you work with already. Once you have an LMHP you work with, you can ask them to evaluate the situation and write your ESA letter.
Depending on your situation, this can be affordable or expensive, and it may come down to your insurance provider.
Factors to Consider About ESA Letters for Housing
Before you apply for an ESA letter for housing, it’s important to understand a few things, like unique state laws. We cover the most notable ones below.
30-Day ESA Laws
In California, Louisiana, and a few other states, you may have to maintain a professional relationship with an LMHP before you qualify for an ESA letter. Make sure you check state laws before applying.
Landlord ESA Rights
Landlords have rights when it comes to ESAs. While the Fair Housing Act (FHA) prevents discrimination and pet fees, if your ESA is causing other issues, landlords can take action. For example, an ESA that damages property or harms others can result in eviction.
Get an ESA Letter for Housing Today!
If you want to get an ESA letter for housing, all you need to do is consider the factors we covered in this guide and begin the in-person or online application process. Now, if you want to go the in-person route, make sure insurance covers your sessions or that you’re working with someone you’re comfortable with.
On the other hand, if you go the online route, we recommend working with a reputable organization, like Emotional Support Animal. This will prevent you from running into scams or wasting money.
