After You Receive Your Letter
Once your documents are in your inbox, the next step is to use them with your housing provider. We don't deliver the letter to your landlord on your behalf — that's your conversation. Here's the process most tenants follow:
- Submit a reasonable accommodation request in writing to your landlord, property manager, or HOA. Attach your ESA letter as a PDF.
- Be ready for verification. Your landlord may contact the issuing clinician to verify the letter. The clinician's license number and contact details are printed on the document.
- Wait for written approval. Federal law gives housing providers a "reasonable" time to respond — typically 10 to 14 days, though some respond within 48 hours.
- Move in or remain in your home with your ESA. Your landlord cannot charge pet rent, pet deposits, or breed/weight restriction fees once accommodation is granted.
If your landlord refuses or delays unreasonably, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) accepts complaints for fair-housing violations. We recommend speaking with a tenant-rights attorney before filing.
Important: ESA letters apply to housing only. They do not grant access to restaurants, hotels, public transit, rideshare, or other public accommodations. For public-access rights, a Service Dog under the ADA — including a Psychiatric Service Dog — is required.