Finding and moving to a new home can be a strenuous experience, even when you like the change you’re making. This is more so when you have an emotional condition or disability, and part of your treatment involves having an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). In this case, finding a new home comes with a new set of challenges only you and your furry friend can know. And no one needs the added fear and stress of possibly being denied housing or being discriminated against for owning an ESA.
So, how do I get an ESA Housing Letter?
This can be a easy process if you know a few basic things to do. First you will need to work with a professional like Florida Pet ESA. Second, know your rights. Know what your landlord can and cannot require. This article will provide everything you need to know to get your ESA Housing Letter
Who can write an ESA letter?
- Physician
- Psychiatrist
- Licensed Mental health Counselor
Search out a reputable professional
- There are many large companies – Many are clearinghouses – in other words they don’t actually do the work, instead they farm it out to other professional’s for a Fee. Generally they are more expensive.
- Local professionals in your state or area may provide better customer service. It’s always better to support local businesses. (Florida Pet ESA is local to Florida and based in St. Petersburg).
- Make sure they have a phone number that a “person answers.”
- Know who is writing your letter in advance
- Make sure they are licensed in your state for it to be legal
- For example, Florida Pet ESA is in Florida. You can use this link to verify that this local business is legitimate
- Make sure they support the entire process until your landlord accepts the letter.
What can your landlord require?
- A licensed Mental health Professional write the letter
- The letter be on official company letterhead
- The animal does not have a history of violent behavior
- Vaccination records *** Per state or local requirements
What your landlord cannot require
- Diagnosis or related condition
- Specific animal/breed
- Any animal can be an emotional support animal
- The severity of the disability
- Specific treatment plan
- Medical records
- This also applies to subsequent or required verification forms
- Pet deposit
- Pet rent
- Clean up fees after leaving
Other Important Information About Your ESA Housing Letter
- No special training is required
- Unlike service animals, Emotional support animals do not require training.
- The very presence of an Emotional Support Animal helps alleviate symptoms in the affected person.
- What if I had more than one support animal?
- The Fair Housing ACT makes no stipulation about the number of support animals, giving you freedom to choose your specific level of support
- ***If there are more than two emotional support animals, they can require the “task” each one assists with.
- IE: Sleep, Tension, sleep, Panic, sadness etc..
- ***Not a symptom or diagnosis
- ***If there are more than two emotional support animals, they can require the “task” each one assists with.
- The Fair Housing ACT makes no stipulation about the number of support animals, giving you freedom to choose your specific level of support
Due Diligence
There is a great deal of confusion surrounding emotional support animals. As in all businesses, there are always those who will seek to scam others for monetary gain. Do your due diligence and make sure that the company you are working with is a legitimate business. Verify their credentials and that they are licensed in the state that you live in.
Read reviews.
This is a great way to find out how customers feel about the services they receive. For example, Florida Pet ESA has over 125 five-star reviews.
These are a few of the things that you should be looking for when you decide about something that is so important in your life. Our emotional support animals are precious, and we want to keep them with us wherever we live. You do not wish to find out at the last minute that your letter is not accepted because it is illegitimate or from another state.
Are you ready to get your ESA Letter Florida?
Meet Our Mental Health Specialist
Jay Charboneau MS, LMHC, CAP
Licensed Mental Health Counselor – MH15843
Issue Date – 03/26/2018
Renewal Date – 03/31/2025
Phone Number: (727)344-9930
Email: [email protected]
About Jay
Hi, I am Jay Charboneau. I live, work, and practice in Saint Petersburg Florida. I am an educator and lifelong advocate of the rights of those suffering from mental health disorders. As a dog lover myself, I understand the emotionally soothing and healing benefits of having your pet with you. Don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions about your mental health or an emotional support animal.