Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are more than pets. For many people, they are daily companions that ease anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other conditions. To protect these rights, tenants often need an ESA letter written by a licensed mental health professional. This document allows you to live with your ESA even in housing that doesn’t normally allow pets, thanks to protections under the Fair Housing Act and HUD ESA guidance.
But here’s the problem: thousands of websites now claim to offer ESA letters online. Some are legit providers, but many others are scams selling fake ESA letters. These scams not only waste your money but can also put your housing rights at risk.
So, are online ESA letters legit? The short answer: yes, if you know how to verify the provider. In this guide, we’ll break down how to tell the difference, what to look for in a legitimate ESA letter, and what to do if you’ve already fallen into a scam.
Signs of a Legit ESA Letter Provider (Trust Factors You Can’t Ignore)
Not all online ESA letters are fake. Many telehealth services now connect patients with licensed mental health professionals who can issue legitimate letters. But you must know the red flags vs. the trust signals.
Signs of a Legit Provider:
- Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP): The letter must come from a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, or therapist.
- Consultation is required: You can’t just fill out a quiz and get approved instantly. A real provider will do a live session (phone, video, or telehealth).
- Letter Details Are Clear: The document should include the provider’s full name, license number, state of practice, and contact info.
- Reference to Housing Rights: The letter should align with HUD ESA guidance under the Fair Housing Act.
- Expiration Date: ESA letters usually need renewal annually.
A real ESA provider never sells “ESA registration” or ID cards as proof. Those are not valid legally.
If you’re looking for a safe and legitimate ESA letter, Paw Tenant works only with licensed professionals. That means you don’t have to second-guess if your letter is real or fake.
Top Scam Tactics in 2025 (Don’t Get Tricked!)
Before you spend money on an ESA letter online, it’s important to know the tricks scammers use. These websites often look convincing, with official-looking logos and promises of fast approval. But the reality is, most of them cut corners and provide documents that landlords can reject in minutes. If you’ve ever wondered how do I spot a fake ESA letter, the warning signs are actually easier to see once you know what to look for.
Here are some common ESA Scams:
- Instant Approval Sites: If they guarantee approval without talking to a licensed professional, it’s a scam.
- ESA Registries & ID Cards: These have no legal standing. HUD does not recognize registrations or online databases.
- Unverifiable Providers: If you can’t find the therapist’s name and license in a state database, walk away.
- Suspicious Pricing: Scams may lure you with extremely cheap ESA letters ($20–$40) or overcharge ($300+). The average range is usually $99–$150.
- No Mention of HUD ESA Guidance: Legit providers always reference housing laws and tenant protections.
Scammers prey on people who are desperate for quick solutions. But in housing disputes, fake ESA letters collapse instantly; landlords can check them in minutes.
License Lookup: Step-by-Step Guide to Verifying a Provider
One of the biggest differences between a legitimate ESA letter and a fake one is the provider’s license. A real mental health professional will always have an active license you can verify online. The good news is, checking this only takes a few minutes and can save you from future headaches with your landlord. Always go for a licensed mental health professional ESA letter. Here’s the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Get Provider Information
Your ESA letter should clearly list the professionals:
- Full legal name
- License type (psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, etc.)
- State of license
- License number
Step 2: Visit State License Portal
Every U.S. state has a public licensing board website. For example, California has the Board of Behavioral Sciences; Texas has its own state licensing portal.
Step 3: Search the License
Enter the license number or provider’s name. Look for:
- Active status (not expired).
- Correct profession listed (matches the letter).
- Disciplinary history (avoid revoked or suspended licenses).
What a Legitimate ESA Letter Should Include
Even if the provider’s license checks out, the content of the letter itself is just as important. A legitimate ESA letter always follows a clear format and includes specific details that prove it’s valid. Think of it as a checklist; if any key element is missing, that’s a red flag.
Here is what your ESA letter should include:
- Your full name.
- Statement confirming your need for an ESA.
- Provider’s details: name, license number, contact info.
- Date of issue + expiration date.
- Provider’s official signature.
If any of these are missing, you might be holding a fake ESA letter.
How Landlords Verify ESA Letters Under HUD Guidance
When you hand over an ESA letter to your landlord, it doesn’t just get accepted blindly. Landlords have a process to check if it’s real or fake, especially since fake ESA letters are very common today. HUD has clear rules on what they can and cannot ask.
Landlords deal with fake ESA letters all the time. So, they know how to spot them.
Here’s how the process usually works:
- Check the Letterhead: It must be from a real licensed provider.
- Verify License: Many landlords directly check the license using public databases.
- Confirm Authenticity: Some may contact the provider’s office to confirm validity.
What Landlords Can Ask Under HUD ESA Guidance:
- Proof that the provider is licensed.
- Confirmation that you need an ESA due to a disability.
What They Cannot Ask:
- Full details of your diagnosis.
- Medical records or private therapy notes.
This means, as long as your ESA letter is legitimate, your landlord must accept it under the Fair Housing Act.
What To Do If You Bought a Fake ESA Letter
Realizing that the ESA letter you purchased isn’t valid can feel stressful. But remember, you still have options to fix it. Acting quickly will help you avoid trouble with housing providers and give you the chance to secure a genuine letter. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Stop Using the Fake Letter
If your landlord challenges it, you could lose legal protection.
Step 2: Request a Chargeback
If you paid with a credit card or PayPal, request a chargeback. Explain that the service was fraudulent.
Step 3: Report the Scam
Report fake ESA websites to:
- Your state consumer protection agency.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Step 4: Get a Legit Replacement
Don’t delay. A real ESA letter protects your ESA housing rights. Use a trusted provider who follows HUD ESA guidance and issues proper documentation.
Chargebacks & Replacements
Many people who fall for fake ESA letters end up getting their money back through a chargeback or at least securing a real letter afterward. The important thing is not to wait, take action fast. Once you spot the scam, contact your bank or PayPal, then move forward with a licensed provider who can issue a legitimate ESA letter.
Final Thoughts
So, are online ESA letters legit? The answer is yes, but only if you choose wisely. Scams are everywhere in 2025, but real providers do exist. The difference comes down to verifying the professional’s license, making sure the letter includes the right details, and knowing your rights under HUD ESA guidance.
Don’t risk your housing security with a fake letter. Always do your research before paying, and if you’ve been scammed, take action fast.
Need a legitimate ESA letter that you can rely on? At Paw Tenant, we connect you directly with licensed professionals who follow HUD guidelines. That means no scams, no shortcuts, just peace of mind and the housing protection you deserve.
FAQs
Q1: Are online ESA letters legit everywhere?
Yes, online ESA letters are legal if issued by a licensed mental health professional. As long as the provider is verified and follows state and federal laws, your letter is valid.
Q2: Do ESA letters expire?
Most ESA letters are valid for 12 months. You will need to renew them each year to keep your housing protections active.
Q3: Can landlords reject a legitimate ESA letter?
No, landlords cannot reject a valid ESA letter under the Fair Housing Act. They must provide reasonable accommodation for your emotional support animal.
Q4: Are ESA registries or ID cards valid?
No, ESA registries and ID cards are scams. Only an official letter from a licensed mental health professional has legal standing.
Q5: Can I use my ESA letter for travel?
No, airlines no longer accept ESA letters for free travel. ESA letters are only recognized for housing rights, not flights.
Q6: Can any pet qualify as an ESA?
Yes, any domesticated pet, like a dog, cat, rabbit, or bird, can qualify as an ESA. A licensed provider must confirm that it helps your mental health.