If you’re searching “what does a legit ESA letter look like”, chances are you’ve run into dozens of templates online, some looking professional, others looking like they were typed in five minutes. The problem is, not every ESA letter you see online is real. A valid ESA letter must follow specific guidelines, and if it doesn’t, landlords or housing providers can reject it.
This guide will break down exactly what a real ESA letter should contain, why formatting matters, and how to spot red flags. We’ll also go through a sample ESA letter template, common mistakes people make, and how landlords actually verify these letters.
If you want a guaranteed-compliant ESA letter backed by licensed therapists, fill out the order form at Paw Tenant.
Why Format Matters For A Legit ESA Letter
An ESA letter is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a legal document that works as proof that your animal is an Emotional Support Animal. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), this gives you the right to live with your ESA even if the property has strict “no pet” rules or extra pet fees.
But here’s the catch: landlords are also within their rights to reject a letter if it looks fake, incomplete, or doesn’t meet the official ESA letter requirements. They’re used to spotting red flags like missing license numbers, no letterhead, or vague wording.
That’s why knowing what an ESA letter looks like really matters. A properly formatted letter keeps you protected, while a poorly written one can cost you housing opportunities. The right format isn’t just about looks; it’s about showing your ESA letter is credible, professional, and legally valid.
ESA Letter Requirements (Checklist)
Here’s a complete checklist of what must be included:
- Letterhead
- Must appear on the licensed mental health professional’s official letterhead.
- Should include practice name, office address, phone number, and email.
- Date of Issue
- Letters must show when they were written.
- Many landlords only accept letters less than 12 months old.
- Therapist’s Credentials
- Full name, degree, and title (e.g., PsyD, LCSW, LMFT).
- Avoid vague listings like “Dr. John” with no license details.
- License Number & State
- This is non-negotiable. Landlords verify licenses through state databases.
- Direct Statement of Disability
- You don’t need to name your diagnosis.
- But it must confirm you have a mental/emotional condition recognized in the DSM-5.
- Link Between ESA & Condition
- Must explain that your ESA helps alleviate symptoms related to your condition.
- Professional’s Signature
- Digital or handwritten signature required.
Letterhead & License Fields
Letterhead and license details are the first signs that an ESA letter is genuine. A real document always comes from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) and includes their official letterhead, contact information, and license number. Without these, landlords usually see it as fake and reject it right away, so these details are non-negotiable.
Telehealth Notes
Many ESA letters today are issued through telehealth, and that’s perfectly legal if done properly. To be valid, the provider must be licensed in your state, the evaluation should be real and not instant, and the letter must clearly show the provider’s license number along with the state where they are authorized to practice.
Renewal Dates
ESA letters are not permanent; most require renewal every 12 months. Including a renewal date or “valid through” note on the letter avoids confusion and shows the document is up to date, which helps prevent any disputes with landlords or housing providers.
Optional Helpful Details
Beyond the essentials, these extra details make your letter stronger:
- Therapist’s direct contact info (for verification calls).
- Reference to the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
- Reminder that ESA rights are different from service animals.
- Renewal reminder notes.
ESA Letter Sample (Breakdown)
Below is what a legit ESA letter template looks like:
[Therapist’s Letterhead]
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am a licensed mental health professional (License #123456, State of CA). I am currently treating [Patient’s Full Name]. Based on my professional judgment, I confirm that this individual has a mental or emotional disability recognized in the DSM-5.
The presence of their Emotional Support Animal is necessary for their treatment and emotional well-being. Under the Fair Housing Act, [Patient’s Name] is entitled to live with their ESA, even in housing with pet restrictions.
Sincerely,
[Therapist’s Name, Credentials]
[Practice Name, Contact Info]
ESA Letter Template vs. Sample vs. Therapist Letter
It’s easy to get confused between ESA templates, samples, and the real therapist-issued letter. Here’s the difference:
- ESA Letter Template – A blank outline that shows which fields should appear on a valid letter (like provider info, license number, and patient statement). Templates are educational, but they hold no legal weight on their own.
- ESA Letter Sample – A filled-out example that demonstrates what a finished ESA letter looks like. Samples are useful for comparison, but they still aren’t valid for housing.
- Therapist Letter – The real deal. This is a signed and dated document from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) after an evaluation. It’s the only version legally recognized by landlords and protected under the Fair Housing Act.
In short, templates and samples help you learn, but only a genuine therapist letter counts.
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection
Landlords deny ESA letters every day because of simple but serious mistakes. Some of the most common red flags include:
- No official letterhead → looks like a fake print-out
- Missing license number → landlord can’t verify the professional
- Too vague wording → saying “pet provides comfort” isn’t strong enough
- Signed by the wrong professional → only LMHPs (therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers) qualify
- Expired letter → most landlords reject letters older than 12 months
- Instant online approvals → landlords recognize scam “ESA registries” or certificates
If any of these apply, the letter will almost always be rejected.
How Landlords Verify Legit ESA Letters
While landlords cannot legally demand your diagnosis or full medical records, they do have the right to verify that the ESA letter is legitimate. Most check for:
- License Number – matched against the official state licensing database
- Professional Contact Info – cross-checked to confirm the provider’s real practice
- Date Validity – letters must be current (usually within the last year)
- Consistency – if details don’t match, such as wrong state or mismatched info, the letter is flagged
In some cases, landlords even call the therapist’s office directly to confirm authenticity.
HUD Guidance on Legit ESA Letters
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has made ESA rules clear to protect both tenants and landlords:
- Letters must come from a licensed health professional
- Housing providers must accept valid ESA letters if requirements are met
- Landlords cannot demand diagnosis details or personal medical records
- Verification is allowed if a letter looks suspicious
This is why format, professional credibility, and license information are so important.
State-Specific Rules
Federal law applies everywhere, but some states go even further with stricter rules:
- California & New York – Landlords scrutinize letters closely; some states fine professionals for issuing fraudulent ESA letters. Read full details about emotional support animal letter in California.
- Texas & Florida – Providers must be licensed in the same state where the tenant lives. Read complete details about emotional support animal letter in Texas.
- Other States – May not have extra laws, but landlords still verify licenses and contact info carefully
If you’re using telehealth, always confirm your provider is licensed in your own state.
Why Fake ESA Letters Are Risky
It might seem easier to buy a cheap letter online, but fake ESA documents can create major problems:
- You could lose your lease if caught
- Landlords may blacklist you from renting future properties
- Some states treat fake ESA letters as fraud, with potential fines or penalties
A legitimate therapist-issued ESA letter not only protects your housing rights but also ensures you’re getting real mental health support from a licensed professional.
Final Thoughts
Now you know what a Legit ESA letter should look like and why format matters so much. A valid letter always includes professional letterhead, your therapist’s credentials and license details, a statement linking your ESA to your health needs, and the provider’s signature with a date. These elements aren’t just paperwork; they’re what protect your rights under the Fair Housing Act. Avoid shady “instant ESA letter” websites that can put you at risk. Instead, work with a trusted and licensed professional who follows the law, so you and your emotional support animal stay fully protected.
Ready to get your compliant ESA letter? Connect with a licensed therapist at Paw Tenant today to ensure your letter is fully compliant. Your ESA deserves real protection, and so do you.
FAQs
Q: What does a landlord see when verifying my ESA letter?
They check the license number, letterhead, and contact info—not your medical records.
Q: Can I register my ESA instead of getting a letter?
No. ESA “registries” or certificates are scams. The only valid document is a therapist-issued ESA letter.
Q: Do ESA letters work for travel?
Airlines no longer accept ESA letters since 2021. ESA letters are valid for housing under FHA, not flights.
Q: Is an ESA letter the same as a prescription?
No. A prescription is for medication. An ESA letter is a legal accommodation document.
Q: Can my primary care doctor write the letter?
In rare cases, yes—but most housing providers expect it from a mental health professional.
Q: Do I need to list my animal’s name or breed in the letter?
Not required, though some professionals include it for clarity.