ESA Letter Templates: Layout, Essentials, and Legal Considerations

Animals have long provided comfort to their owners. What about individuals with mental health issues? They often benefit from the comfort an emotional support animal (ESA) provides.

A recent longitudinal study of people with ESAs found that when participants were having anxiety or depression, they would look to their ESA for comfort. However, some of the participant's emotional support animals simply knew when they were experiencing anxiety and depression and came to them to offer their support.

This illustrates the benefits of an ESA for individuals with chronic mental health issues, as the human-animal bond is so strong that some ESAs can sense when their owner is in distress. While any pet owner understands this beautiful relationship with their pet, people with mental health conditions benefit so much that an ESA is a prescribed part of their treatment plan!

However, the key to legally certifying an ESA is a legitimate ESA letter. This document confirms that you need an ESA, which is a crucial part of the process.

Introduction to ESA Letter Templates

An ESA letter is a written note or recommendation from a licensed mental health practitioner (LMHP) that certifies the need for an ESA. This letter provides legal protection for those in need of an ESA and is crucial for housing and some travel situations. 

Sometimes, you can find an emotional support animal letter template online. These ESA letter templates are often free and customizable. ESA letters contain key information needed for legal requirements. These ESA letter templates are specifically designed to meet the legal standards for housing. 

This guide offers some examples of ESA housing letter templates. However, an LMHP must fill out an ESA letter template for housing. 

Let’s take a closer look at what should be included in an ESA letter, where to find downloadable ESA letter template PDF files, who is qualified to issue ESA letters, and the potential consequences of a fraudulent ESA letter.

Detailed Layout of an ESA Letter

Let's review the basic structure of a legitimate ESA letter and then examine some of the essential information that should be included.

Required Sections for a Valid ESA Letter

 A valid ESA letter should include the following sections to ensure it is legal.:

1. Header with Therapist Information

Your ESA letter needs to be on professional letterhead. This section must also include the LMHP's full legal name, license number, and contact information. Not only does this information make the letter look more professional, but it offers the details necessary to validate your LMHP. This top section is vital for determining the legitimacy of your ESA letter.

2. Patient's Details and Condition

Next, the ESA letter must include some general details about you and your specific mental health condition. It doesn't have to go deep into your mental health, but it does need to include your full name and a brief statement about your specific condition. Your LMHP needs to include a statement that confirms your need for an ESA based on your mental or emotional disability recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM5).

3. Details of the Emotional Support Animal

There should be a section somewhere in the letter that includes information about the emotional support animal. Your LMHP should include the type of animal and breed. An ESA can be more than just a dog or cat; many other domesticated animals can be ESAs! The legitimate ESA letter should then include specifically how this animal is going to help support your mental health and day-to-day life. This is one of the most crucial aspects of the ESA letter, as it demonstrates your need for an ESA to improve your quality of life.

4. Legal References

Next, your ESA letter needs to include legal references to ESA laws. You will mainly use this letter for housing situations, so your LMHP should reference the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The letter should clearly state that, according to the legal guidelines of the FHA, it is recommended that you and your emotional support animal live together as part of your medical treatment. The landlord or housing authority must make "reasonable accommodations" by allowing your ESA to live with you.

5. Date and Duration

Your LMHP will need to sign and date the letter to make it official. ESA letters are often valid for a year, so the issue and expiration dates must be included. These two dates are important aspects of a legitimate ESA letter. More importantly, your need for an ESA will unlikely change in a year, but it will show when it was first recommended. It's important to note that while ESA letters typically expire after 12 months, you shouldn't need to renew if you are already in a housing situation with a pre-existing ESA letter.

6. Essential Information and Format

While all ESA letter templates differ and there is no regulatory format, essential information needs to be included in the ESA letter. Remember that the letter needs to be written on an official letterhead and include a signature from the licensed professional. This crucial step proves that your letter is legitimate and will withstand legal scrutiny. 

Where to Find and How to Use ESA Letter Templates

There are many free downloadable and customizable ESA letter templates online. It's very important to mention that only an LMHP should write these ESA letter templates to avoid unnecessary legal issues. There are also customizable ESA letter templates specific to housing and travel. If you are an LMHP and want to ensure that your letter meets all the legal standards, you can also check into some of the following ESA letter templates.

Downloadable PDF Templates for Mental Health Professionals

Here are some free ESA letter templates for therapist use only.

Printfriendly

Printfriendly offers an ESA letter template that includes the necessary requirements for housing authorities and landlords. Your mental health professional can download this sample template or fill it out directly on the site and add specific details.

Lawrina

Lawrina also offers free ESA templates for LMHP to fill out and print. Your LMHP needs to fill in the specific information that matches your situation. This ESA letter template for housing is customizable or can be downloaded as a basic premise for your ESA letter.

eForms

eForms has a basic ESA letter template PDF that can be downloaded as a PDF file or other document type. Your LMHP can customize and fill this form out with the help of the website by answering a few questions or downloading the template and editing it to suit your situation.

Customizing Templates for Housing and Travel

While it’s important to include basic information in your ESA letter template, customizing the content to meet individual needs is crucial. Although these templates serve as a good starting point, you and your mental health professional will need to edit them to suit your specific needs.

Housing

Some housing authorities and landlords may have specific instructions for ESA letters, so it is essential to include all required information to satisfy legal requirements. Regarding housing, the FHA protects individuals with disabilities, including those with emotional support animals. Therefore, the ESA letter template should include a brief section that refers to the FHA.

Some states may also require additional information. For example, California has a particular set of laws concerning ESAs. California residents, per CA Code §122318, must have at least a 30-day client-provider relationship before writing the ESA letter.

Suppose you are a California resident looking to get an ESA letter for the very first time. In that case, you must establish a relationship with your provider 30 days before the letter can be written. Other states have their own ESA laws. ESA laws can change, so it's important to know the laws in your specific state concerning ESAs and ESA letter templates.

Travel

All airlines are no longer required to allow your ESA to travel with you in the cabin. There are some instances where your ESA can fly with you in the cabin but likely for a fee. However, you can fly with your ESA if you have an ESA letter, but they will likely be treated like normal pets. 

Your emotional support animal letter for travel must be dated within 12 months and include a statement that you need your ESA with you when you travel. Airlines may require extra information, so it’s best to check the ESA requirements and their expectations for your ESA letter before you get to the airport.

Who Can Write and Issue an ESA Letter?

While there are plenty of free ESA letter templates, it is important to know who can actually write and issue the ESA letter. Let's look at who can write your ESA letter and who is not qualified.

Licensed Mental Health Professionals Only

Only a licensed mental health professional can issue your ESA letter. So, a list of qualified professionals who can write your ESA letter includes:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Therapists
• Licensed counselors
• Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)
• Psychiatric mental health nurses (PMHN)
• Other licensed mental health professionals (LMHP)

You want your ESA letter to be legal. If you have someone write it who is not an LMHP, the letter will likely be turned down and considered fake.

The Role of Other Professionals: Who Is Not Qualified?

Many other professionals could write you an ESA letter but aren't qualified. They must be LMHPs, as they have extensive knowledge and training in mental health. This excludes professionals such as general practitioners, veterinarians, coaches, chiropractors, pharmacists, or non-licensed counselors, as they are not legally qualified to write your ESA letter.

Unfortunately, plenty of ESA letter scams and websites offer ESA letters that are not legitimate or are not written by an LMHP. If the website or business claims to get you an ESA letter without an actual LMHP appointment, then chances are it is a scam. Suppose you obtain an ESA letter from unqualified sources. In that case, you may waste time and money, and your landlord or housing authority could deny it as they cannot verify that it comes from a qualified professional.

Risks of Using Free ESA Letter Templates Incorrectly

Free ESA templates are a great place to start, particularly as a guide to help you understand what is required. However, there are some risks of using these free ESA letter templates incorrectly.

Why Templates Are Meant for Professional Use Only

The ESA letter templates discussed in this article are only meant for LMHPs to fill out. They are simply not meant for public use. In fact, filling out an ESA letter template without the proper authorization could be considered fraudulent and result in legal consequences.

Legal Consequences of Forging or Misusing ESA Letters

There can be severe legal consequences if you are found using an invalid ESA letter. For one, your ESA letter will be rejected, which can result in you losing any housing and travel accommodations. Some other potential consequences include:

• Eviction: If caught with a fraudulent ESA letter, you may face eviction or termination of your lease agreement.
• Civil penalties: In some states, you could face civil charges, fines, and landlord repercussions. A landlord could sue you for damages for using a fraudulent ESA letter in their housing.
• Criminal penalties: Depending on where you live, you could face charges or fines for a fraudulent ESA letter.
• Damage your reputation: If you are found submitting a fraudulent ESA letter, you could risk future ESA requests, making it much more difficult to secure housing with your ESA.

No one wants to face any of these challenges simply because they downloaded an ESA letter template and filled it in themselves. Instead, contacting an LMHP and having them write you a legal, legitimate ESA letter is best.

FAQ

Let's go over some of the most commonly asked questions about ESA letters and ESA letter templates.

What information should be on an ESA letter template?

An ESA letter template should include the following information:

• The LMHP's contact information and licensing number written on a professional letterhead.
• A clear statement that says that you have a mental health diagnosis and that an ESA is recommended for treatment.
• The type and breed of the emotional support animal.
• A brief legal reference to the FHA.
• A date and signature written by the LMHP.

Can I create my own ESA letter using a template?

No, you cannot create your own ESA letter template. Only an LMHP can write an ESA letter.

Is an ESA letter the same for housing and travel purposes?

Technically, yes, but some airlines may request that the ESA letter state that you need your ESA with you when you travel.

What should I do if my ESA letter is questioned by my landlord?

If your landlord questions your ESA letter or denies it, you can request that they offer you their reasoning in writing. Then, you can try to work with the landlord to address their concerns. You can reach out to your LMHP to update your ESA letter if necessary. But if you have ensured that your ESA letter is legitimate and valid and the landlord still denies it, consider filing a complaint with HUD if you feel your rights are violated.

How can I find a professional to issue an ESA letter?

You will want to find a licensed mental help professional (LMHP) in your area to issue an ESA letter. You can also work with reputable online platforms such as Pettable to connect you with local LMHPs who can write an ESA letter.

Conclusion: Secure a Legitimate ESA Letter with a Template

It is extremely important that you have a well-structured ESA letter that meets all of the legal requirements. Using an ESA letter template that includes all of the legal information can make the process of living with your loving emotional support animal much easier. 

Remember that only an LMHP can write an ESA letter, so it's best to have your LMHP customize any ESA letter templates. If you use a fraudulent ESA letter, you can really end up in some trouble and maybe even lose your housing. Instead, it is best to find an LMHP to issue you an ESA letter so you can have the housing and travel accommodations you deserve.

If you are looking for a legitimate ESA letter to qualify your animal as an ESA, Pettable can help! Just take our quick survey to get started.