What to Do If Your Landlord Needs to Verify Your ESA Letter from RealESALetter.com?

Many tenants find themselves unsure about how to handle the verification process — especially when it comes to explaining their rights, their ESA, and the role of a licensed professional.

This guide is here to help you understand what to expect, what your landlord can and cannot ask, and how to handle the situation smoothly.

Why Landlords Might Request Verification

Let’s be clear: it’s not unusual for a landlord to want to confirm that your ESA letter is valid.

With increasing awareness of mental health and disability rights, more tenants are requesting accommodations for emotional support animals.

But not all landlords are familiar with the law — and some may not know the correct way to handle these requests.

1. They might ask for verification because:
2. They’ve never dealt with an ESA request before
3. They want to ensure your letter came from a licensed mental health professional
4. They want to confirm the legitimacy of the document before waiving pet fees or adjusting their no-pet policies

This is where your ESA letter from RealESALetter.com comes in.

What Makes an ESA Letter Legally Valid?

Before we get into what to do, it’s important to understand what makes your ESA letter legitimate in the eyes of the law.

A legitimate emotional support animal letter must:

Be written by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) such as a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed clinical social worker

Be written on the LMHP’s official letterhead

Include their license number, issue date, and state of practice

Clearly state that you have a mental or emotional disability recognized in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual)

Explain that your ESA is part of your treatment plan and helps alleviate symptoms associated with your condition

RealESALetter.com provides letters that meet these criteria.

They connect clients with licensed professionals in their state, and the letters are reviewed and approved following Fair Housing Act (FHA) guidelines.

What to Do If Your Landlord Asks to Verify the ESA Letter

Now let’s walk through what steps to take if your landlord is requesting verification:

1. Stay Calm and Know Your Rights

First and foremost, don’t panic. You have legal protections under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The FHA prohibits landlords from:

1. Denying housing or evicting you because of your ESA
2. Charging pet fees, deposits, or extra rent
3. Imposing breed, weight, or size restrictions for your ESA

However, landlords are allowed to request documentation that proves your need for an ESA. That’s where your letter from RealESALetter.com comes into play.

2. Share the ESA Letter

Make sure your landlord has a clear copy of your ESA letter. If you haven’t already shared it, provide it via email or printed form.

Include only the letter itself — landlords are not allowed to ask for your medical records or detailed personal information about your condition.

Tip: Let your landlord know that the letter includes everything required by the FHA and was issued by a licensed professional.

3. Let Them Contact the Provider (If Needed)

Your landlord may want to verify the legitimacy of the letter or the license of the provider who signed it. This is allowed — but only within reasonable limits.

RealESALetter.com typically includes contact information for the licensed professional on the letter. Your landlord can use this to confirm that:

1. The provider is licensed in your state
2. The letter was issued for the purpose of making a housing accommodation
3. You are under the provider’s care for a mental/emotional condition

Your landlord cannot ask what your condition is or demand additional medical documents.

4. Point Them to Fair Housing Guidelines

If your landlord still has concerns, direct them to HUD’s guidelines on reasonable accommodations for ESAs. Here’s a helpful resource:

👉 HUD’s Assistance Animal Notice (FHEO-2020–01)

This document explains what landlords can legally request and what counts as discrimination.

5. Document All Communication

Keep a written record of all emails, texts, or letters exchanged with your landlord. If you have a phone conversation, follow up with a short email confirming what was discussed.

Example:

“Hi [Landlord’s Name], just wanted to confirm our phone call earlier today. I’ve sent you the ESA letter signed by a licensed therapist from RealESALetter.com, as requested. Please let me know if you need anything else to complete the verification process.”

Having this paper trail can be helpful if things escalate or if you need to file a complaint later.

6. What to Do If They Still Refuse Your ESA Letter

If your landlord outright refuses to accept your valid ESA letter — even after you’ve explained your rights and provided proper documentation — you have options:

1. File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
2. Visit hud.gov/fairhousing to file a housing discrimination complaint online.
3. Seek legal help: Consider reaching out to a fair housing attorney or legal aid group in your area.
4. Contact RealESALetter.com support: If your landlord needs additional assurance or documentation, the RealESALetter.com team may be able to assist by confirming provider credentials or reissuing the letter if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can my landlord charge a fee for my ESA?

A: No. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot charge pet deposits or fees for emotional support animals.

Q: What if my ESA is a large breed that the landlord usually doesn’t allow?

A: Breed, size, and weight restrictions do not apply to ESAs under federal law. Your ESA must still behave appropriately and not pose a direct threat to others.

Q: How long does it take for a landlord to verify an ESA letter?

A: Most verifications are quick. If the landlord chooses to contact the provider, they usually get a response within a few business days.

Being asked to verify your ESA letter can feel a little intimidating, especially if your landlord seems unsure about the law.

But remember: you have rights, and your ESA letter from RealESALetter.com was designed to meet the requirements of those rights.

By understanding what’s legally required, providing clear documentation, and keeping communication open and respectful, you can resolve most verification requests without conflict.

And if your landlord still resists, there are steps you can take to stand up for your rights.

Your mental health matters — and your emotional support animal is part of your care.

Don’t let misinformation or pushback keep you from the peace and comfort your ESA provides.