How to Share Your ESA or PSD Letter with your Landlord or HOA

Megan Ellsworth

Table of Contents

Getting your ESA (Emotional Support Animal) or PSD (Psychiatric Service Dog) letter is a big step. The next part, How to Share Your ESA or PSD Letter with a Landlord or HOA, because it doesn’t need to be stressful. Use this guide for clear steps, exact scripts, and answers to the most common questions.

You don’t have to over-explain or argue. Your letter is your legal documentation. Let it speak for you.

Step 1: Know your rights (plain and simple)

Housing: Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords and HOAs are required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants or homeowners with ESAs or PSDs. They cannot deny you housing or charge pet fees just because you have an ESA/PSD letter.
Purpose: Your letter is official documentation. You are not required to share personal medical details beyond what’s in the letter.

Step 2: Prepare the easy way

Choose how to share it (email is easiest; in-person, text, or mail are also fine).
Keep your message short and professional.
Attach or hand over the letter.
Save a copy of what you send.
Follow up politely if you don’t get a response.

Step 3: Exact messages you can use (copy/paste)

Email (professional & complete)

Subject: Documentation for Reasonable Accommodation

Hi [Name],

I’m sharing documentation from my licensed provider related to a qualifying condition and a request for reasonable accommodation. Please see the attached letter. Could you confirm receipt and let me know the next steps?

Thank you,
[Your Full Name]

Email (short & simple)

Subject: Accommodation Documentation

Hi [Name],
I’ve attached a letter from my provider regarding accommodation. Please confirm receipt.
Thank you,
[Your Name]

Text / SMS (if appropriate)

Hi [Name], I’ve sent my accommodation letter by email. Could you confirm receipt and advise next steps? —[Your Name]

In-person / Phone script

“Hi [Name], I have a letter from my provider confirming I qualify for a reasonable accommodation. I’d like to share it with you now. The letter has all the necessary details. Could you let me know what the next steps are?”

If they ask for details:
“I prefer to keep my medical details private. The letter provides everything required. If you need clarification, the provider can verify it.”

Step 4: After you Share Your ESA or PSD Letter with a Landlord or HOA

Save your email/text or make a quick note of an in-person meeting.
If you don’t hear back in a few days, follow up politely.
Keep it calm and professional—the law is on your side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is my landlord or HOA allowed to say no to my ESA or PSD?
A: Generally no. Landlords and HOAs must provide reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act. Denials are limited to very specific cases (for example, if the animal poses a safety risk or would cause major property damage).

Q: Is it legal to send my letter?
A: Yes. Sharing your ESA or PSD letter is the intended use of the document. The Fair Housing Act protects tenants and homeowners who present valid documentation.

Q: What’s the best way to share my letter?
A: Email is simplest because there’s a written record. In-person, text, or mail are also acceptable. If you deliver it in person, follow up with a short email confirming what you shared.

Q: Do I need to explain my condition?
A: No. The letter already contains the necessary information. You don’t need to share personal medical details.

Q: Can my landlord or HOA charge pet rent or a pet deposit for an ESA?
A: No. With valid documentation, landlords and HOAs cannot add pet fees or deposits for an ESA. (Normal charges for property damage or cleaning still apply.)

Q: What should I write when I send my letter?
A: Keep it simple. For example:
“Hi [Name], I’m sharing documentation from my provider confirming I qualify for a reasonable accommodation. The letter is attached. Please confirm receipt and let me know the next steps.”