ESA Letter for Housing in Texas

Your housing rights with an ESA letter

Under the federal Fair Housing Act, a valid emotional support animal letter allows you to request a reasonable accommodation from virtually any housing provider in Texas — apartment communities, private landlords, condominium associations, HOAs, and most university housing. With an approved request, housing providers generally cannot:

• Deny your animal because of a no-pet policy.
• Charge pet rent, pet deposits, or pet fees for your ESA.
• Apply breed or weight restrictions to your ESA.
• Ask about the details of your diagnosis or demand your medical records.

How to submit your ESA letter to a landlord

• Put your request in writing. A short email works: state that you are requesting a reasonable accommodation for an assistance animal under the Fair Housing Act and attach your letter.
• Attach your ESA letter. Your letter includes the clinician's license information, which is all a landlord may reasonably verify.
• Keep records. Save a copy of your request and any responses in case questions arise later.

Landlords are permitted to verify that your letter is genuine — and ours are. Every letter we issue comes from a Texas-licensed mental health professional following a real clinical evaluation, and we provide free verification support if your housing provider reaches out.

What if my landlord refuses?

Most accommodation requests supported by a valid letter are approved without friction. If yours is denied, ask the landlord to state the reason in writing. Unlawful denials can be reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division. Denials are lawful only in narrow circumstances — for example, if the specific animal poses a direct threat or the property qualifies for a limited FHA exemption.

Get your housing letter today

Book a confidential telehealth evaluation with a licensed Texas clinician. If approved, your signed letter is issued within 10–15 minutes — and you're only charged after approval. See our pricing page for details.