ESA Housing Letter – All The Details

ESA Housing Letter – All The Details

Finding and moving to a new home can be a stressful experience, even when you’re excited about the change. It’s even more challenging when you have an emotional condition or disability, and part of your treatment involves having an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). Finding a new home comes with a new set of challenges that only you and your furry friend can understand. No one should have to deal with the added fear and stress of possibly being denied housing or discriminated against for owning an ESA.

So, How Do I Get an ESA Housing Letter?

This can be an easy process if you know a few basic things. First, you’ll need to work with a professional like Florida Pet ESA. Second, know your rights β€” understand what your landlord can and cannot require. This article covers everything you need to know to get your ESA Housing Letter.

Who Can Write an ESA Letter?

  • Physician
  • Psychiatrist
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor

How to Find a Reputable Professional

  • Watch out for clearinghouses. Many large ESA letter companies don’t actually do the evaluation themselves β€” they farm the work out to other professionals for a fee, and they’re generally more expensive.
  • Consider a local professional in your state or area. They often provide better customer service, and it’s always good 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 real person answers.
  • Know in advance who will be writing your letter.
  • Confirm they’re licensed in your state β€” the letter isn’t valid otherwise.
  • Make sure they support you through the entire process, until your landlord accepts the letter.

Read Some Of Florida Pet ESAs Reviews!

What Your Landlord Can Require

  • That the letter be written by a licensed mental health professional
  • That the letter be on official company letterhead
  • Confirmation that the animal has no history of violent behavior
  • Vaccination records, per state or local requirements

What Your Landlord Cannot Require

  • Your diagnosis or related condition
  • A specific animal or breed (any animal can be an emotional support animal)
  • Information about the severity of your disability
  • Details of your specific treatment plan
  • Your medical records
  • A pet deposit
  • Pet rent
  • Clean-up fees after you move out

These restrictions also apply to any follow-up or verification forms your landlord may request later.

Other Important Information About Your ESA Housing Letter

  • No special training is required. Unlike service animals, emotional support animals don’t need to be trained β€” their presence alone helps alleviate symptoms for the person they support.
  • Can I have more than one support animal? The Fair Housing Act doesn’t limit the number of support animals you can have, giving you the freedom to choose the level of support you need. (Note: if you have several animals, some landlords may ask what role each one plays β€” e.g., helping with sleep, anxiety, or panic symptoms β€” though this should never require disclosing a diagnosis.)

Due Diligence

There’s a lot of confusion surrounding emotional support animals, and unfortunately some companies try to take advantage of that for financial gain. Do your due diligence: verify that the company you’re working with is legitimate and that their provider is licensed in the state where you live.

Reading reviews is one of the best ways to see how past customers feel about a company’s service. Florida Pet ESA has over 350 five-star reviews.

Dog relaxing at home with its owner – Florida ESA letter
Two dogs sitting together – emotional support animals in Florida
Dog looking up at the camera – ESA letter FAQ

Are you ready to get your ESA Letter Florida?

Get Started Now!

Meet Your Florida-Licensed ESA Letter Provider

Jay Charboneau MS, LMHC, CAP

Licensed Mental Health Counselor – MH15843

Issue Date – 03/26/2018

Renewal Date – 03/31/2027

Phone Number: (727)344-9930

Email: jaycharboneau@gmail.com

Jay Charboneau, LMHC, Florida ESA letter provider

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.

ESA Letters Across Florida

Florida Pet ESA serves clients statewide, including: