If you’ve obtained an ESA letter to support your emotional support animal, you may be asking yourself: Do ESA letters expire? The simple answer is yes—most ESA letters are typically valid for one year and need to be renewed annually.
Because an ESA letter is issued by a licensed mental health professional, it is tied to your current mental health treatment and treatment plan. That means an expired letter may not hold up with landlords or housing providers.
Here, we’ll break down how long ESA letters last, when to renew, and what to do if your original ESA letter is rejected for being outdated.
An emotional support animal letter is usually valid for one year from the date it was issued. This applies whether you got your ESA letter online or from an in-person licensed therapist.
The reason is simple: mental health needs can change over time. An ESA letter confirms that your animal is part of your current treatment plan. To stay valid, most providers require that your ESA documentation be renewed annually.
Yes, you need to renew your ESA letter every year. Under the Fair Housing Act, your protections only apply if you can show a current letter from a licensed mental health professional. If the letter has expired, a landlord can reject it, which may put you in a difficult situation when renting or moving into new housing.
Renewing your ESA letter is also important because your mental health needs can change over time. An updated letter shows that your emotional support animal is still part of your treatment plan and continues to help with your condition.
It also keeps your provider’s information accurate. If your therapist has changed offices, updated their license number, or you are now seeing a new professional, a renewed letter will reflect those details.
Absolutely. A landlord has the legal right to request a letter from a licensed mental health professional that’s current and valid. If you hand over an ESA letter that’s expired, they can reject it.
That’s why it’s important to renew your ESA letter before your old one lapses—so you don’t face unnecessary housing issues.
If your ESA letter is close to expiring, you’ll need to renew it the same way you first obtained one. At RealESALetter, the process is fast, simple, and completely online. You don’t have to worry about scheduling in-person appointments or waiting weeks for paperwork — we make it quick and stress-free to keep your ESA protections valid.
Here’s how you can renew your ESA letter with RealESALetter.com:
Every letter from RealESALetter includes confirmation of your condition and a statement showing that your ESA is part of your treatment plan. You can even check out a sample ESA letter on our website to see exactly what your document will look like before you apply. With us, renewing your ESA letter is not only convenient but also fully compliant with housing requirements.
If you’re ready to renew your ESA letter online, RealESALetter makes the process smooth, secure, and hassle-free.
Your ESA letter might be rejected if:
If this happens, simply renew your ESA letter with a qualified provider and resubmit.
If your letter was rejected, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
Acting quickly can help you avoid disruptions in your housing arrangements.
If you fail to renew your ESA letter, landlords may deny your request for housing accommodations. Under ESA laws, your protections through the Fair Housing Act only apply when you have a valid, updated ESA letter.
No problem. You can still renew your ESA letter through another licensed therapist. Just explain your history, provide any necessary background, and request a new evaluation.
It’s common for people to switch therapists over time. As long as the new provider confirms your ESA supports your mental health disorder, you’re covered.
You are not legally required to carry your ESA letter with you everywhere you go. For housing purposes, what matters most is that you can provide a valid, updated ESA letter if your landlord or housing provider asks for it.
That said, it’s a good idea to keep easy access to your ESA letter just in case. Most people keep the official copy at home and store a digital version on their phone or email for easy access.
Travel can be a little different. While many airlines no longer recognize ESAs, some travel providers, vacation rentals, or hotels may still request documentation. Keeping both a digital and printed copy with you when traveling is a smart way to avoid delays or misunderstandings.
Yes, they do. While housing is the primary area where ESA letters expire after one year, some travel providers may also request updated letters. Even though airlines' ESA policies have changed, it’s still helpful to keep an updated ESA letter for documentation.
No, ESA letters are not free to renew. Just like when you first obtained an ESA letter, renewing usually involves a fee since a licensed mental health professional must review your case again and issue an updated document. The cost can vary depending on whether you go through your current therapist, a clinic, or an online ESA letter service.
At RealESALetter.com, we make renewals more affordable for our returning customers. We offer special renewal discounts and drop the price to just $99 for repeat clients, which is a significant saving compared to most providers. This way, keeping your ESA letter valid each year is simple, reliable, and easier on your budget.
Yes, renewing your ESA letter online is one of the easiest and fastest options. It’s especially helpful if you’ve moved, switched providers, or need an updated letter quickly.
RealESALetter makes the process fast and affordable. A licensed mental health professional reviews your case and provides an updated ESA letter if you qualify. Renewal discounts are also available for returning customers.
Beyond expiration, you may need to renew if:
Keeping everything current ensures your ESA rights are never questioned.
Renewing your ESA letter is a simple but important step in making sure your emotional support animal continues to be recognized as part of your care. Keeping your documentation current protects your housing rights, prevents unnecessary challenges, and gives you peace of mind knowing you’re always prepared.
An updated letter shows that your ESA is still an active part of your mental health treatment and ensures your needs are supported without interruption.
If your ESA letter is due for renewal, the process doesn’t have to be stressful. With RealESALetter, you can renew quickly, affordably, and completely online.
So take the step today and secure your updated ESA letter so you and your ESA can continue living comfortably, confidently, and without disruption.
WRITTEN BY
Harper Jefcoat
Harper Jefcoat is a dedicated pet enthusiast and esteemed author at RealESALetter.com. With a profound passion for animals, Harper combines extensive knowledge and personal experience to provide insightful and informative content. Specializing in canine behavior and wellness, he strives to empower pet owners with the tools and understanding they need to nurture and care for their furry friends effectively. Harper’s writings reflect his commitment to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners, making him a trusted voice in the pet community.
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