If you’re trying to secure housing with your emotional support animal (ESA), it’s important to understand the difference between an ESA letter and the many “certificates” or “registrations” floating around the internet.
🔍 Here’s the truth:
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords are legally required to consider a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. Certificates, vests, or ID cards are not required—and often not even recognized. These extras can be misleading and are usually sold online without a proper evaluation.
A legitimate ESA letter confirms that:
You have a qualifying mental health condition, and
Your animal helps alleviate symptoms related to that condition.
This letter must be issued after an evaluation by a licensed provider (like myself), and it should include their license details, contact information, and signature.
🏡 Reminder: Your ESA letter gives you rights—but doesn’t make your pet a service animal. You still need to follow house rules like noise and cleanliness.
At TashaGuru.com, our ESA letters are backed by clinical assessments, not quick click-and-pay promises. If you’re unsure what you need, feel free to ask. We're here to help you (and your animal) feel at home.