Sample ESA letter for housing, with notes on every part
This is the structure a careful landlord expects to see in 2026. Read the sample, then the notes, then the red flags that get letters questioned. Your real letter is written for you by a clinician licensed in your state after your evaluation.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Texas License No. 00000 (sample)
Online practice, hello@example.com
October 9, 2026
To the housing provider,
Re: Request for reasonable accommodation for Maria Lopez
1I am a licensed clinical social worker in the State of Texas, and Maria Lopez is my client. 2I evaluated Ms. Lopez on October 6, 2026.
3Ms. Lopez has a mental health condition that substantially limits one or more of her major life activities, as defined under the Fair Housing Act. To protect her privacy, I am not disclosing her diagnosis.
4Her emotional support animal, a mixed breed dog named Canela, about 40 pounds, helps alleviate symptoms of that condition. In my professional opinion, living with Canela is necessary for Ms. Lopez to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy her home.
I therefore support her request that Canela be allowed to live with her as a reasonable accommodation, including at 1200 Example Street, Apt 4B, Houston, Texas.
5You may confirm that I wrote this letter through GetPetESA, reference GPE-2026-SAMPLE, at info@getpetesa.com.
Sincerely,
Jordan Ellis
Jordan Ellis, LCSW
Why each part is there
License, type and state
The single most checked detail. A landlord can confirm it with the state licensing board in a minute. A letter from a clinician licensed in another state is the most common reason a letter gets questioned.
A real evaluation date
It shows the letter rests on an actual evaluation. In California, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana and Montana it also matters for the 30 day relationship rule.
Disability, without a diagnosis
Fair housing law entitles the landlord to know a disability related need exists, not what it is. Good letters say exactly that much.
The specific animal
Species, name and a short description prevent arguments later about which animal was approved, especially in buildings with weight or breed policies.
A way to verify
Our letters carry a reference number. Landlords who can verify quickly tend to approve quickly.
Red flags that get letters questioned
Property managers now see enough paperwork to recognize the patterns. If your current letter has any of these, a new evaluation is worth considering.
- No license number, or a license from a state other than the one you live in
- The words "registered", "certified" or "official ESA", or an ID card attached
- No date, or a date more than a year old with no renewal
- Claims that the letter lets the animal fly or go everywhere with you
- Statements that the landlord "must accept" it or cannot charge for damage
- A form letter that could describe anyone, with no evaluation date
- A diagnosis spelled out in detail, which you never have to disclose
When your landlord sends their own form
Some housing providers ask residents to have a clinician fill in the property's own accommodation form. That is often fine, and your clinician can usually complete a reasonable form when it asks for the same information a letter contains.
Forms that ask for a diagnosis, treatment history, or medical records go further than fair housing practice allows. If you receive one, send it to us and we will help you respond.
How a PSD letter differs
A psychiatric service dog letter covers the same core points, plus one more: that the dog is trained to perform tasks related to the disability. The letter can list the tasks in general terms, such as interrupting panic episodes or providing deep pressure, without going into medical detail.
Remember that in stores and restaurants, no letter is needed or allowed to be demanded. The PSD letter is for housing and, sometimes, work. More on PSD letters.
Sample letter questions
Can I write my own ESA letter using this sample?
No. An ESA letter only works because a licensed mental health professional who evaluated you wrote and signed it. A letter you write yourself, or one signed by someone who never evaluated you, can be rejected and in some states can lead to penalties.
Does an ESA letter have to be on letterhead?
There is no federal format, but letterhead with the clinician's license details is what landlords expect and what makes verification easy. Our clinicians always use it.
How long should an ESA letter be?
Usually one page. Longer letters often include medical details that should not be there. Short and specific is better.
Should the letter name my landlord or address?
It can, and including the property address helps when you are applying for a specific home. If you are still searching, a general letter works and you can share it with any housing provider.
Is a sample letter enough to show my landlord before I apply?
Only as an example of what to expect. Your landlord will need your actual signed letter from your clinician.
Get a letter written for you
A clinician licensed in your state evaluates you and writes your letter if it is appropriate. Full refund if it is not.