ESA Letters by States - RealESALetter.com

Why ESA Letters Vary by State

While the Fair Housing Act (FHA) provides nationwide protections for emotional support animals, some states have added their own regulations.

For example, California, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, and Montana require a 30-day client–provider relationship before an ESA letter is valid.

Other states may have unique rules about provider licensing or how documentation is presented to landlords. Understanding these variations ensures your ESA letter is legally compliant where you live.

Federal Protections vs. State-Specific Interpretations

Under federal law, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires landlords and housing providers to accept legitimate ESA letters. This protection applies in all 50 states.

However, states can interpret these laws differently or add additional requirements. For example:

Some states require the provider to be licensed locally where the tenant resides.
States like California and Montana enforce a 30-day provider–client relationship before a letter is valid.
Some states have introduced specific ESA regulations, including penalties for faking or misusing ESA letters, to prevent fraud while still protecting legitimate ESA owners.

That’s why it’s essential to work with a provider who understands both federal protections and state-specific rules.

Our ESA letters are fully compliant nationwide, meeting FHA and HUD standards while also aligning with any additional requirements your state may have. We ensure your letter is always legitimate, enforceable, and accepted.

To get an ESA letter, you must meet specific mental health standards set by the law. Take our quick assessment today to see if you qualify, and then apply for your ESA letter directly on our website.

Start Your Assessment Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an ESA letter from another state?

Generally, yes. ESA letters are recognized nationwide under the FHA. However, you need to ensure that the letter is written by a mental health professional who is properly licensed in both the state where the letter is issued and, in some cases, the state where the animal will be housed.

Certain states (such as California, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, and Montana) also require a 30-day client-provider relationship before the letter is considered valid.

Are ESA letters valid in all states?

Yes. ESA letters are recognized in all 50 states through federal housing protections. While the FHA applies everywhere, some states may have additional rules or stricter documentation requirements. Always check your state’s guidelines to ensure compliance.

Are ESA letters state specific?

They can be. While ESA letters are protected under federal housing law, some states have their own rules that make the process more state-specific.

For example, certain states require that the provider be licensed in the same state where the animal will be housed, or impose conditions such as a 30-day client–provider relationship. This means an ESA letter may need to meet both federal standards and your state’s unique requirements in order to be valid.

Can an online ESA letter be valid in my state?

Yes, as long as the ESA letter comes from a licensed mental health professional who evaluates you through a legitimate telehealth process. Beware of instant or automated certificates, as landlords may reject them. A properly issued online ESA letter is valid in every state.

What conditions qualify me for an ESA letter?

You may qualify for an ESA letter if you have a mental or emotional health condition recognized under the DSM-5 that benefits from the support of an animal.

Common qualifying conditions include: