If your landlord is hesitant to accept your Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter—even when it comes from a trusted service like RealESALetter.com—you’re not alone. Many tenants face unnecessary skepticism when requesting ESA accommodations, especially in “no-pet” housing.
The good news? A valid ESA letter is protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), and landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals. Still, some landlords may ask for "proof" of the letter’s validity. Here's how you can confidently and professionally verify your ESA letter without compromising your privacy.
Before you attempt to verify your ESA letter, make sure it includes the necessary components. A legally compliant ESA letter should have:
The full name and license number of a state-licensed mental health professional (LMHP)
The professional’s license type (e.g., psychologist, clinical social worker)
The state of issuance and expiration date
A statement confirming that you have a mental or emotional disability and that your ESA is part of your treatment plan
The date of issuance, ideally within the last 12 months
RealESALetter.com ensures all their ESA letters meet these criteria. If anything is missing, you can contact their support team for clarification or reissuance.
One of the most effective ways to settle doubts is to direct your landlord to the state licensing board where they can look up the LMHP’s credentials. Every licensed provider is listed on their respective state board’s website, where a landlord can confirm:
The provider’s name and license number
The license status (active, suspended, etc.)
The expiration date of the license
For example, if your therapist is licensed in California, the landlord can visit the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to verify the license number.
RealESALetter.com offers a verification service for landlords. If a landlord contacts them through the number or email provided in the letter, the company can confirm that:
The letter was issued by a licensed professional
The document is real and issued after a valid consultation
It is compliant with Fair Housing regulations
Importantly, they will not share your diagnosis or any personal mental health details, keeping your privacy intact. This is an excellent option for landlords who simply need reassurance without violating legal boundaries.
???? Need help with this? Contact RealESALetter.com’s support team here.
To reduce friction and speed up the process, consider attaching a brief cover letter alongside your ESA letter. This letter should:
Politely explain your request for accommodation under the Fair Housing Act
Emphasize that the ESA is not a pet, but a part of your treatment plan
Clarify that the letter was written by a state-licensed provider
Provide a link to the relevant HUD guidance
This helps frame the situation professionally and may eliminate misunderstandings from the start.
It’s important to remember your rights. Some landlords, either out of ignorance or bad faith, may overstep legal boundaries by asking for personal information. Here's what you’re not required to provide:
A specific medical diagnosis
Your medical history or treatment records
Additional documentation from multiple professionals
Any form of therapy session notes or prescriptions
Your ESA letter is all that’s required under federal law. The Fair Housing Act protects tenants from disclosing sensitive health information in order to obtain reasonable accommodations.
If your landlord continues to delay, doubt, or outright reject your ESA letter even after verification efforts, it may be time to escalate. You can:
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Contact a local fair housing agency for advocacy or mediation
Speak to a disability rights attorney to explore legal action
Make sure to document all communication with your landlord during the process. Save emails, texts, and written notices—they can be powerful evidence if you need to file a formal complaint.
Verifying your ESA letter should be straightforward when you’ve used a reputable service like RealESALetter.com. By staying calm, organized, and informed, you can prevent minor landlord doubts from turning into bigger disputes.
You don’t need to defend your emotional health. You simply need to assert your legal right to live with the support you require. A verified ESA letter isn't just a piece of paper—it's a tool for housing stability, peace of mind, and dignity.