Do Landlords Really Check ESA Letters in the US | A Useful Guide

If you have an emotional support animal (ESA), you’ve probably come across the term “ESA letter for housing.” It’s your golden ticket to living with your animal—even in no-pet housing. But here’s the question that makes a lot of people nervous:

Do landlords actually verify ESA letters?

Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect, how to protect yourself, and how the law is on your side in 2025.

What Is an ESA Letter for Housing?

An ESA letter for housing is a document from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) stating that you have a mental or emotional disability and that your animal provides necessary support. This letter gives your ESA rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), allowing them to live with you even in housing that typically doesn’t allow pets.

In 2025, with increased awareness around mental health and emotional wellness, more tenants are exercising their right to reasonable accommodation under this federal law. But that also means landlords are more aware of what constitutes a valid letter—and what doesn’t.

So, Do Landlords Actually Check ESA Letters?

Yes, they can—and often do—verify ESA letters. But let’s clarify what that means.

Landlords can’t demand private medical records or ask about your specific diagnosis. That’s protected information. However, they can and do take steps to ensure the ESA letter is legitimate, such as:

• Confirming that the letter comes from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP)


• Checking that the license is active and valid in the correct state


• Ensuring the letter includes all required elements, like the LMHP’s contact info, license number, and a statement verifying your need for the ESA

So while landlords aren’t detectives, they aren’t just taking your word for it either. This is especially true if they suspect the letter was generated by a questionable source or an unlicensed service.

Some property management companies now use third-party verification tools to check licenses and credentials. And in states like California and Florida, newer regulations even require a pre-established provider-patient relationship for a letter to be considered valid. Staying informed is your first line of defense.

Why Verification Matters (For Everyone)

There’s a reason landlords take ESA verification seriously. Over the past few years, there’s been a rise in fake ESA letter mills—websites offering "instant ESA approval" with little to no screening.

This not only hurts the credibility of legitimate ESA owners, but it also puts landlords in a tough spot. If a tenant moves in with a fake ESA letter and causes damage or disruption, it becomes a legal and financial headache for everyone.

In 2025, many property owners are undergoing Fair Housing Act training, making them more vigilant and better educated on what to look for. Providing a valid, well-documented ESA letter for housing protects you, your animal, and your right to reasonable accommodation.

What Landlords Are Not Allowed to Do

Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot:

• Charge you pet rent or a pet deposit for your ESA


• Deny you housing just because you have an ESA (as long as your letter is legit)


• Demand details about your mental health condition


• Require your ESA to be specially trained (unlike service animals)

They can, however, deny your ESA request if the letter is fake, if the animal poses a direct threat, or if it would cause undue hardship (like in very small buildings or shared living spaces).

Also important in 2025: some state housing authorities have issued new guidance on ESA documentation timelines, often requiring letters to be updated annually. Make sure you’re familiar with local laws in your state.

How to Make Sure Your ESA Letter Is Legit

If you're planning to submit an ESA letter for housing, make sure it checks all the right boxes:

=> Issued by a licensed mental health professional (therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc.)

=> Contains the provider’s full contact info and license details

=> States clearly that you have a disability and that your ESA helps alleviate symptoms

=> Dated within the past year (some landlords request recent letters)

=> Written on official letterhead

Avoid sites that promise instant approvals or don’t require any form of mental health evaluation. If it seems too easy, it probably won’t hold up under scrutiny.

In today’s digital world, landlords are more tech-savvy and aware of which ESA providers are credible. Working with a legitimate, well-established provider is more important than ever.

Final Thoughts: Yes, ESA Letters Are Verified—So Do It the Right Way

If you’re wondering whether landlords check ESA letters, the answer is yes—but it’s not to make your life harder. It’s to ensure that everything is above board for both you and them.

The good news? If you genuinely qualify and go through the proper steps to get a legitimate ESA letter for housing, the law is firmly on your side thanks to the Fair Housing Act.

So don’t stress—just make sure your letter is real, recent, and legally sound. That way, you and your emotional support animal can settle into your new home with peace of mind and no unnecessary roadblocks.

Need help getting a real ESA letter? A trusted service like RealESAletter.com connects you with licensed professionals who provide legitimate emotional support animal letters for housing—no gimmicks, no guesswork.