If you have an emotional support animal and a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health practitioner (LMHP), you are probably knowledgeable on just how vital these letters are when securing your ESA rights. You have also probably wondered how the process of renewing an ESA letter works. As a general rule, it’s best to update your ESA letter each year with a licensed practitioner in your home state.
In this guide, we’ll unpack how you can do it easily with Pettable and why ESA letter renewal is so important.
ESA Letter Renewal
Renewing your ESA letter each year safeguards your ESA rights and showcases the legitimacy of your ESA claims. It’s a supportive tool that can help you access fair housing rights, and in some cases, might help you advocate for your right to bring your ESA to work or travel with them. While this is at the discretion of employers and airline providers, an up-to-date letter can add legitimacy to your claim and help you to realize your ESA rights.
Renewing Your ESA Letter
Renewing your ESA letter is a simple process, especially when you work with an LMHP who is compassionate and supportive of ESA rights. When it comes to renewals, you can either work with the same practitioner or find a new one. This is an entirely personal decision and will also depend on whether you have moved state or not since your last letter was written.
It’s imperative to always work with a licensed therapist and not obtain a bogus letter from a provider who doesn’t require you to meet with a medical professional.
How to Renew Your ESA Letter
Renewing your ESA letter is simple. Connect with an LMHP, share your ongoing ESA needs, and once they verify that you still have a qualifying condition, they’ll write a renewed ESA letter.
Return to Your Original Licensed Mental Health Professional
If you’re happy with your original therapist and still live in the same state, simply book an appointment with them. Attend a consultation and tell them that you need a renewed letter. Letter renewals should always include the specific date and year to showcase their relevance.
Certain states, including Montana and California, require patients to have a 30-day pre-existing relationship with their therapist before they write the ESA letter. If you’re returning to an existing therapist, this won’t be a problem as you will already have a history with them. If they're a new therapist, you will need to meet with them 30 days before they can write you a letter.
Schedule a Consultation With a New Mental Health Professional
If you’re living in a new state, you will need to schedule a consultation with a therapist in your new home state. Legally, your new consultation needs to be with a mental health professional licensed in your home state. If you require a new therapist - and specifically one who understands the importance of ESA rights - Pettable can easily connect you with one.
Why Should I Renew My ESA Letter?
There are several reasons why it’s a great idea to keep your ESA letter updated. Let’s delve into them below.
Reason 1: Landlord Asks for a New ESA Letter
While some landlords might not ask for a renewed ESA letter, others want to ensure that your ESA needs are still applicable and will ask for a renewed letter each year. Keeping your letter up-to-date ensures that you can access the Fair Housing Act (FHA) rights that official ESA letters protect.
Under the FHA, housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for your ESA needs and can not deny you or your ESA housing rights.
Reason 2: Keeping Your Medical Records Up to Date
It’s always a good idea to keep your medical records up to date and to assess your mental and emotional health needs as the year unfolds. Visiting an LMHP regularly ensures that your emotional health is prioritized and, much like a medical prescription, your updated ESA letter can reflect your mental health needs. Moreover, if your condition changes or you need more support, an ESA renewal letter can advocate your needs.
Reason 3: Some States Might Require ESA Letter Renewal
Certain states such as Arkansas and certain housing providers might require regular letter renewal to ensure that ESA needs remain verified. Always check with your chosen housing provider to ensure that you’re on track with any ESA letter renewals that they need.
Do ESA Letters Expire?
Technically, an ESA letter doesn’t expire in most states, however, it’s a bit different in practice. Landlords often ask for renewed ESA letters to ensure that tenants still have applicable ESA needs. You do have the option of submitting a complaint to The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if you feel your rights are being violated. However, in most cases, it is an easier and less stressful option to oblige and simply renew your ESA letter.
Renewing Your ESA Letter with Pettable
Happily, the ESA letter and letter renewal process is easy with Pettable. Simply fill in a few questions and we will assess your ESA needs and connect you to an LMHP in your state.
You can also choose whether you’re a returning Pettable client or a new one and we will assist you accordingly depending on your needs.
Our service offers a money-back guarantee and if for some reason your ESA renewal claim isn't supported, you'll get 100 % money back. This makes it a zero-risk solution.
