ESA Accommodation Request Letter
The request letter is the short, plain note you send your landlord — and it pairs with the ESA letter from your licensed provider. Here's exactly what to include, plus a simple structure you can follow.
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What is an ESA accommodation request letter, and how do I write one?
An ESA accommodation request letter is a short letter you write to your landlord asking for a reasonable accommodation for your emotional support animal under the Fair Housing Act — such as an exception to a no-pet policy or waived pet fees.
You send it with the ESA letter from your licensed provider as supporting documentation. Keep it polite and specific, reference the attached letter, and you do not need to share your diagnosis. The request is reviewed individually — approval is never guaranteed.
Two documents, one request
Your request vs the provider's letter
These are different — and they work together. Knowing the difference keeps your request clean and credible.
Your accommodation request
A short letter YOU write to your landlord or property manager, asking for a reasonable accommodation for your emotional support animal. It's a polite, plain request — not a clinical document.
The provider's ESA letter
The supporting documentation from a mental health professional licensed in your state, written after a real evaluation. It confirms there's a disability-related need an ESA helps with.
What to include
Six things every request letter should have
Your name & unit
Your name, the property address, and your unit or application reference so the request is easy to match to your file.
A clear accommodation request
State plainly that you are requesting a reasonable accommodation for an emotional support animal under the Fair Housing Act.
Reference your ESA letter
Note that a letter from your licensed provider is attached, supporting the need — without restating any diagnosis.
What you're asking for
Be specific: an exception to a no-pet policy, waived pet rent or pet deposit, or both — whatever applies to your housing.
A cooperative tone
Offer to provide reasonable documentation and to discuss next steps. A calm, respectful tone keeps the review smooth.
How to reach you
Your phone or email and the date, so the leasing office can follow up and log the request promptly.
Simple structure
A sample request letter outline
A general template you can adapt — not legal advice. Replace the brackets with your details.
Greeting
Dear [Landlord / Property Manager name],
The request
I am writing to request a reasonable accommodation for my emotional support animal under the Fair Housing Act. I have a disability-related need that my emotional support animal helps with.
Supporting documentation
Attached is a letter from my licensed mental health provider supporting this need. I'm glad to provide additional reasonable documentation if helpful.
What you're asking for
I respectfully request an exception to the no-pet policy and that pet fees/deposits not be applied to my assistance animal. I will, of course, remain responsible for any damage.
Close
Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if you need anything further. Sincerely, [Your name, unit, date, contact].
Sample wording for illustration only. Adapt it to your housing and check your state and local rules.
Keep it clean
Do & don't for your request
Do
- Keep it short, polite, and specific to housing.
- Attach the provider's ESA letter as supporting documentation.
- Say you're happy to provide reasonable documentation.
- Keep a dated copy of everything you send.
Don't
- Don't share your full diagnosis or medical records.
- Don't claim public-access, airline, or "go anywhere" rights.
- Don't rely on a "registration," certificate, or ID card.
- Don't demand guaranteed approval — requests are reviewed individually.
Pair your request with a verifiable provider letter
Your request letter is only as strong as the documentation behind it. A letter from a licensed provider — naming the provider and offering a way to verify — gives your accommodation request a credible, professional footing.
- Write the request; your provider writes the supporting letter.
- Keep a dated copy of everything you send.
- Landlord denial support if a valid request is questioned.
ESA Letter Pricing
Clear, upfront pricing — from $115
Pay by card, or choose Klarna at checkout — subject to eligibility and Klarna payment terms. A licensed provider reviews your assessment — approval is not guaranteed.
One-time
Valid for 1 year. Pay once, no auto-renewal.
- Licensed provider review
- Money-back if not approved
- Verifiable, housing-ready letter
- Free Pet Care Planner by PawTenant
Annual
Renews automatically. Save vs. one-time every year.
- Licensed provider review
- Money-back if not approved
- Verifiable, housing-ready letter
- Free Pet Care Planner by PawTenant
PawTenant also supports PSD (Psychiatric Service Dog) evaluations for qualifying individuals where clinically appropriate. PSD documentation requires disability-related task training and is different from ESA documentation.
Landlord or HOA need a separate accommodation form? See ESA packages & Reasonable Accommodation pricing.
Accommodation request letters: FAQ
It's the short letter you write to your landlord or property manager asking for a reasonable accommodation for your emotional support animal — for example, an exception to a no-pet policy or waived pet fees. It's separate from the clinical ESA letter your licensed provider writes; the request is your plain-language ask, and the provider's letter is the supporting documentation.
Need the provider letter to go with your request?
Connect with a licensed provider. If you qualify, you'll receive a verifiable, housing-focused ESA letter to attach to your request — with a refund if you don't qualify.
Start ESA EvaluationLast reviewed June 17, 2026 · PawTenant editorial team
Keep reading
How housing accommodation works and what to send.
Read moreHow ESA housing requests work for apartment renters.
Read moreWhat a landlord can review — and what they can't ask.
Read moreCalm next steps and denial support, by state.
Read moreMake sure your provider letter is real and verifiable.
Read moreWhen pet fees and deposits may not apply.
Read moreNeed PSD documentation instead?
A Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) is different from an emotional support animal — it involves disability-related task training and is for qualifying individuals. If a service dog fits your situation better, start there instead.
Educational information, not legal or medical advice. PawTenant connects you with licensed mental health providers. Whether an ESA or PSD is appropriate is decided by a licensed provider after a real evaluation — approval is never guaranteed, and a valid letter supports but does not guarantee a landlord’s decision. For your specific situation, consult a qualified professional or your state agency.
Support animal housing rules changed in 2026
HUD's federal enforcement approach changed, but state law, housing type, Section 504, private legal rights, and individual facts may still matter. PawTenant helps customers understand their options through licensed, state-aware support-animal documentation — issued only when clinically appropriate.
Educational information only — not legal advice. PawTenant does not certify or train service animals, and approval depends on your housing provider, state law, housing type, and individual facts.