Needs letter from licensed therapist. NO official registry.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Understand rights — FHA: no pet fees. NO public access
- Qualifying condition — Substantially limits major life activity
- Licensed therapist — Genuine relationship
- ESA letter — Name, license, state, contact, condition, recommendation, date, signature
- NOT required — Specific diagnosis, animal ID, training
- Present to landlord — Reasonable accommodation
- Limitations — Not restaurants/stores. Airlines not required (2021)
- Renew annually
- Avoid scams — NO official registry
- Know landlord rights — Can request letter, not diagnosis
Common Mistakes
- Fake registries
- Confusing ESA with SA
- Not renewing
- Expecting public access
- Out-of-state therapist
Pro Tips
- Only valid doc: YOUR therapist letter
- Can get before adopting
- FHA exempts owner-occupied 4 or fewer
- Some states add protections
- Genuine relationship strengthens letter