ESA Letter vs Pet Fees: What You’ll Actually Save

What Exactly Is an ESA Letter & Why Does It Save Money

An ESA letter is a formal recommendation written by a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. It states that your animal helps you manage emotional or mental-health symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

ESAs are not considered “pets” under the Fair Housing Act. That means they are legally protected, and landlords must treat them differently from regular pets.

Because of this legal difference, a valid ESA letter allows you to:

• Avoid pet deposits
• Avoid monthly pet rent
• Avoid one-time pet fees
• Live in “no-pet” housing without penalty
• Avoid breed, size, and weight limits

This is the core reason ESA letters result in such large savings; the laws see an ESA as a necessary support animal, not a standard pet, so landlords are not allowed to charge the same pet-related fees.

This financial advantage becomes even more meaningful if you live in a city where pet rent is high or if you plan to stay in the same apartment for several years.

How Much Does an ESA Letter Cost 

Before calculating savings, it’s important to understand the cost of getting an ESA letter. Prices can vary depending on whether you go through a local provider, an online platform, or a licensed therapist. 

Knowing who can write the ESA letter also matters, because only licensed mental health professionals are legally qualified to issue it, and their fees may differ based on experience and location.

Here’s a realistic range:

Typical Cost Range

• Standard ESA housing letter: $99–$200
• Combined ESA + consultation packages: $150–$250
• State-licensed therapist consultation (if required): $80–$200 per session
• Optional annual renewal (many landlords ask for updated letters): $75–$150

Connect with licensed mental health professionals for proper guidance and start a legitimate, hassle-free ESA evaluation.

Why is the price low compared to pet fees

When you consider that many landlords charge:

• $300–$500 upfront,
• PLUS $50–$100 monthly pet rent,
• PLUS additional non-refundable fees…

…it becomes clear why an emotional support animal letter is financially valuable.

Even the most expensive ESA letter is usually cheaper than one month of pet rent in many buildings.

ESA Letter vs Pet Deposit: Which Is More Cost-Effective?

To understand the financial benefits clearly, let’s compare how much you pay for a regular pet versus an animal approved as an ESA.

This table shows the clear financial difference between a regular pet and an ESA. Regular pets come with deposits, monthly pet rent, and extra fees, while ESAs are legally protected from all these charges. It highlights how an ESA letter can save renters hundreds to thousands of dollars each year.

Real-Life Examples of ESA Savings 

To get a realistic picture, here are detailed examples that represent what many renters experience.

Example 1: Standard Apartment With Moderate Pet Rent

• Pet deposit: $250
• One-time pet fee: $150
• Monthly pet rent: $40
• ESA letter cost: $150

Example 2: Mid-Tier Apartment With High Pet Fees

• Pet deposit: $350
• Monthly pet rent: $60
• ESA letter cost: $120

Example 3: Luxury Apartment With Premium Pet Charges

• Pet deposit: $500
• Non-refundable pet fee: $200
• Monthly pet rent: $100
• ESA letter cost: $150

Example 4: Long-Term Tenant (3 Years)

Let’s assume:

• Pet deposit: $300
• Pet rent: $50 per month
• ESA letter: $150 yearly

This shows how powerful ESA savings become over time.

How to Calculate Your ESA Savings

Calculating how much money you can save with an ESA letter is simple. Start by listing the pet-related charges your landlord normally requires. This usually includes the pet deposit, any one-time pet fees, and the monthly pet rent. Then compare these costs to the price of your ESA letter and any renewal fees you may need in the future.

The general formula looks like this:

Total ESA Savings = Pet Deposit + Pet Fee + (Monthly Pet Rent × 12) – (ESA Letter Cost + Renewal Cost)

Here’s an example to clarify.

Imagine your landlord charges a $300 pet deposit, a $200 one-time fee, and $60 in pet rent each month. If your ESA letter costs $150 and you aren’t renewing it this year, the math would look like this:

300 + 200 + (60 × 12) – 150
 = 300 + 200 + 720 – 150
 = $1,070 saved in one year

How to Maximize Your ESA Savings 

If you want to make the most out of your ESA letter financially, here’s how:

1. Make Sure the ESA Letter Is Legit

It must be from:

• A licensed mental health professional
• With a valid license number
• Licensed in your state
• On official letterhead
• Fully signed and dated

Fake ESA letters will cost you money because landlords immediately reject them.

2. Understand Your Legal Rights

Under the Fair Housing Act:

• Landlords cannot charge pet rent
• Cannot charge pet deposits
• Cannot deny housing because of your ESA
• Cannot limit breeds, size, or weight
• Cannot charge any ESA-related fees

Knowing your rights ensures you avoid unnecessary costs.

3. Keep Communication Clear With Your Landlord

When you provide your ESA letter:

• Be respectful
• Attach the letter formally
• Respond quickly if they ask for verification

Smooth communication prevents conflicts and delays.

4. Make Sure Your Animal Is Well-Behaved

ESAs do not need special training, but they must:

• Not be aggressive
• Not cause damage
• Not create repeated disturbances

This avoids repair costs and prevents disputes.

5. Renew Your ESA Letter If Required

Some landlords request an updated ESA letter each year. Renewing your ESA Letter when needed keeps your documentation valid and ensures your savings continue without interruption.

To sum up, an ESA letter does much more than allow you to live with your emotional support animal; it can also save you a significant amount of money. By removing pet deposits, pet rent, and extra fees, ESA protections help renters avoid costs that often reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year. 

While the letter itself has a small upfront cost, the long-term financial benefits far outweigh it. If you qualify for an ESA and live in a building that charges pet fees, getting a valid ESA letter is one of the most financially smart choices you can make.

If you're ready to secure your housing rights and avoid unnecessary pet costs, RealESALetter.com is here to help. They make the legitimate ESA process simple, clear, and fully compliant.