Table of Contents
Can an apartment deny an ESA?
An apartment complex cannot deny an emotional support animal (ESA) that provides support directly relating to a mental or emotional disability of the owner. While emotional support animals are not afforded the same widespread protections as service dogs, housing is an area in which there is legal protections in place.
Do ESA have to pay rent?
2. Do I have to pay additional rent for my ESA? (NO) Generally, a landlord is entitled to charge a deposit for a pet to cover any resulting damage to the property. But, if a pet is more appropriately characterized as a service animal, the tenant should be exempt from the deposit.
What needs to be in an ESA letter for housing?
An ESA letter for housing should contain the following basic information: The tenant’s name. The healthcare professional’s name, their contact information, and license number. The type of emotional support animal needed by the tenant (i.e., cat, dog, bird, hamster, etc.).
Do ESA letters expire for housing?
The ESA letter you receive for Housing has no expiration date and is valid for the full term of your lease or ownership.
Do apartments Verify ESA letters?
Landlords can verify ESA letters in a way that does not violate HIPPA or the Fair Housing Act. A proper ESA letter will be on a letterhead, with contact information such as phone number and email, along with the therapist’s license number.
How can you tell a fake ESA letter?
How to Spot a Fake ESA Letter
- it is not written by a licensed mental health professional.
- it is not written on the licensed mental health professional’s official letterhead.
- it is not written by a licensed mental health professional registered in the state you reside in.
What laws protect ESA?
The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) applies to residential facilities and provides protection for emotional support animals in addition to service animals.
What rights does my ESA have?
Service dogs are allowed access to all public places such as stores, movie theaters, hospitals, and restaurants. On the other hand, emotional support animals are allowed access only to residences (including buildings with no-pet policies) and on select airlines.
How hard is it to get an ESA letter?
It is not difficult to qualify for an ESA letter. If you are not currently seeing an LMHP, you can still qualify for an ESA letter either in-person or online. If the therapist decides you are a good candidate for an ESA, he or she will issue a legitimate emotional support animal letter.
Can you get a free ESA letter?
The Only Way an ESA Letter Can Be “Free” Is If You Already Have a LMHP. There is only one instance in which an ESA letter will be free: if you already see a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). A therapist you are seeing can issue your ESA letter at no added charge.
How long is a ESA certificate good for?
one year
The details may vary somewhat from one state to the other, but your ESA letter gives you and your ESA legal protection for exactly one year. If you have a legitimate ESA letter, that means that you are receiving treatment from a LMHP, and that they can renew your prescription before it expires.
What makes an ESA letter valid?
For an ESA letter to be legitimate, it has to be written and signed by a licensed mental health professional. An ESA letter may also be signed by a healthcare professional such as a psychiatrist or doctor. The letter itself must be printed on the licensed professional’s letterhead.