ESA Letter Template: Sample Format Guide

An ESA (Emotional Support Animal) letter template is a professionally formatted document that verifies a person’s need for an emotional support animal to help manage symptoms of a mental or emotional disability. This letter is issued by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) and allows individuals to request housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act, even in "no pets allowed" properties. A proper ESA letter includes specific legal and medical details that must follow federal guidelines, and using a well-structured template—such as those provided by RealESALetter.com—ensures that it meets all compliance and verification standards.

What This Article Covers

• What is included in a legitimate ESA letter template
• Required components and legal references
• Sample phrasing and format examples
• Professional and patient information requirements
• Tips for ensuring your letter is valid and accepted

What is a Professional Letterhead in an ESA Letter?

A valid ESA letter must appear on the official letterhead of the licensed mental health professional who writes it. This shows authenticity and helps landlords verify the document quickly. The letterhead typically includes the professional’s clinic name, address, logo (if applicable), and contact information. Without this, landlords may consider the letter fake or unverifiable, which can lead to denial of accommodation.

What Professional Information Should Be Included in an ESA Letter?

The letter should clearly list the LMHP’s full name, license number, licensing state, and contact details such as phone number and email address. This information is crucial for legitimacy and verification purposes. Landlords and housing providers may cross-check this data with public licensing databases to ensure the mental health professional is active and authorized to issue ESA letters.

What Patient Details Are Required in the ESA Letter?

The ESA letter must contain the patient’s full legal name and date of birth. These identifiers confirm who the letter is for and tie it to the individual’s housing request. Accurate patient details help avoid confusion and ensure the letter aligns with the person’s medical and accommodation records.

What Kind of Diagnosis Should Be Stated?

While the specific diagnosis doesn't always need to be named, the letter must state that the individual has a mental or emotional disability recognized under the DSM-5, such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, or similar. The LMHP should confirm that this condition substantially limits one or more major life activities, qualifying the patient for an ESA under the Fair Housing Act.

How Should the ESA Recommendation Be Phrased?

The letter must include a clear and direct recommendation that an emotional support animal is an essential part of the patient’s mental health treatment. For example:

“I am recommending that [Patient's Name] be allowed to have an emotional support animal as part of their treatment plan to manage the symptoms of their mental health condition.”

This wording helps confirm the necessity and therapeutic role of the ESA.

Why Must the Need for the ESA Be Explained?

A key part of the ESA letter is explaining how the animal helps reduce symptoms or improve functioning. This could involve reducing anxiety, providing emotional grounding, preventing panic attacks, or offering comfort during episodes of distress. The LMHP should describe the functional relationship between the ESA and the patient's well-being to satisfy accommodation requirements.

How Does the Fair Housing Act Relate to the ESA Letter?

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects individuals with disabilities by requiring landlords to make reasonable accommodations, including allowing ESAs in pet-restricted housing. The ESA letter should include a line referencing this legal protection, such as:

“This letter is provided as a formal request for reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act.”

This ensures the landlord understands the legal context and their obligation.

What is the Verification of the Professional Relationship?

The letter should confirm that there is an ongoing therapeutic relationship between the LMHP and the patient. A sample line may read:

“I have been treating [Patient’s Name] since [Date], and I am familiar with their condition and treatment needs.”

This adds credibility to the recommendation and confirms it's not a one-time consultation for the purpose of obtaining a letter.

Why Are Date and Signature Important?

A valid ESA letter must be signed and dated by the LMHP. The signature shows the letter is official and legally binding. Most housing providers require the letter to be less than one year old, so including the date helps confirm that it's current and still valid for accommodation requests.

Why Might a Disclaimer Be Included in an ESA Letter?

Many ESA letters include a disclaimer clarifying that an emotional support animal is not a service animal, and therefore doesn't require specialized training. This distinction helps prevent confusion about legal rights and expectations, especially since service animals are protected under the ADA, whereas ESAs are not.

How Can You Ensure Your ESA Letter Is Legitimate?

To avoid scams and ensure your letter is accepted, always work with a licensed mental health professional in your state. You should have a real consultation—either in person or via telehealth—and receive a customized letter with official formatting. Avoid instant “ESA letter” websites that don't involve any real diagnosis or relationship with a professional.

Should ESA Letters Be Tailored to Specific Needs?

Yes. A valid ESA letter should be personalized to the patient’s condition, living situation, and mental health needs. Generic or templated letters that don’t reflect your actual diagnosis, symptoms, or treatment history are more likely to be rejected by landlords. A tailored letter shows care, compliance, and authenticity.

Can Landlords Request ESA Verification?

Yes, but only within legal limits. A landlord can ask for verification of the ESA letter to confirm it's legitimate but cannot ask for your full medical records or the specific diagnosis. They are only allowed to verify:

• The letter is written by a licensed professional
• It is current and signed
• It confirms the need for an ESA as part of treatment

Final Thoughts

An ESA letter template isn't just a form—it's a legal and medical document that must be carefully structured. Using a valid format, personalized content, and guidance from a licensed provider ensures your letter is compliant, verifiable, and respected under housing laws.