How Long Is an ESA Letter Good For?

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is an essential document that proves your need for an animal to help manage mental or emotional disabilities. Whether you’re using it for housing or personal support, knowing how long an ESA letter is good for helps you avoid complications with landlords, travel, or legal protections.

Below is a complete, expert breakdown so you can stay compliant and informed.

How Long Is an ESA Letter Good For?

An ESA letter is typically valid for 1 year (12 months).

Most licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) issue ESA letters with a one-year validity period, especially for housing purposes. After 12 months, landlords, property managers, and some institutions may require an updated letter to honor your rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).

Why Does an ESA Letter Expire?

While the law does not explicitly require yearly renewal, LMHPs usually set a 12-month expiration because:

• Your mental health condition may change over time
• Updated documentation shows ongoing treatment
• It ensures the letter remains legally credible
• Housing providers prefer recent verification

A current letter helps avoid disputes or delays in approval.

How Long Is an ESA Letter Good For in Housing?

Housing ESA Letter Validity: 1 Year

Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords must reasonably accommodate tenants with Emotional Support Animals. But they can request:

• A recent ESA evaluation, and
• A current letter issued within the last year

Many landlords consider letters older than 12 months as outdated.

Do ESA Letters Expire for Travel?

Due to new airline policies introduced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT):

ESA letters are NO longer recognized for free air travel.

Most airlines now treat ESAs as pets, meaning:

• They no longer require an ESA letter
• They charge pet fees
• Only service animals travel for free

So for travel, ESA letter validity doesn't matter anymore.

Red Flags of “Lifetime” ESA Letters

If someone claims they can give you a lifetime ESA letter, be careful.

No legitimate LMHP provides lifetime ESA documentation. Reasons:

• Mental health must be evaluated regularly
• Housing providers do not accept outdated letters
• It may be seen as fraudulent

A legitimate ESA letter always includes:

✔ License number of the LMHP

✔ Signature

✔ Date of issue

✔ Statement of your need for an ESA

✔ Professional's contact information

When Should You Renew an ESA Letter?

It’s best to renew your ESA letter:

✔ Every 12 months

OR

✔ At least 30 days before it expires

This ensures you always have active documentation when moving or dealing with new landlords.

Signs You Need an Updated ESA Letter

You should get a new ESA letter if:

• You’re moving to a new rental property
• A landlord requests “recent” documentation
• Your mental health treatment changes
• Your old ESA letter is more than 12 months old
• Your therapist or LMHP updated their license or practice info

What Happens if Your ESA Letter Expires?

If your ESA letter is expired:

• Landlords may refuse accommodation
• You may lose ESA housing protections
• Your ESA may be treated as a regular pet
• You might be charged pet fees or be denied pet-restricted housing

To avoid this, keep your letter updated annually.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do ESA letters need to be renewed every year?

Yes most professionals issue ESA letters with a 1-year validity.

2. Can landlords reject my ESA if my letter is old?

Yes. They can request a current letter, typically within the past 12 months.

3. Is a digital ESA letter valid?

Yes if it is signed and issued by a licensed mental health professional.

4. Is an ESA registration or ID card enough?

No. ESA registries and ID cards have no legal value. Only an ESA letter from an LMHP counts.

5. Can an ESA letter expire sooner than a year?

Some therapists may set shorter validity periods depending on treatment needs.

Conclusion

To protect your rights and maintain smooth housing accommodations, it’s best to renew your ESA letter every year. While laws do not demand a fixed expiration date, updated documentation ensures better compliance, fewer disputes, and stronger credibility.