27Aug, 2025
ESA Letter Airbnb Acceptance: Staying with Your ESA in Short-Term Rentals

Article

Introduction

Short-term rentals like Airbnb have become a popular choice for travelers, offering home-like comfort and flexibility. But if you have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), you may wonder: Will Airbnb hosts accept my ESA letter? Are ESAs treated differently than pets on Airbnb?

The answer depends on Airbnb’s policies, host rules, and local laws. In this guide, we’ll explain how ESA letters work with Airbnb stays, what your rights are, and how to ensure your booking goes smoothly.

”Get Yours Now!

Don’t wait until a landlord or airline tells you “no pets allowed.” Protect your rights today.

Please fill out this form and our team wil contact you ASAP.

Form Link

Complete your assessment in minutes , get approved by a licensed professional, and receive your letter within 24 hours.

Airbnb’s Official Policy on ESAs

Unlike hotels, Airbnb properties are considered housing rentals, even if temporary. This means they may fall under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) in the U.S., which requires landlords (including hosts) to make reasonable accommodations for ESAs.

Airbnb’s policy states:

  • Service Animals and ESAs must be accepted by most hosts in the U.S.
  • Hosts cannot charge extra pet fees for ESAs.
  • Hosts cannot discriminate based on disability or ESA needs.

👉 However, some exemptions apply, particularly for hosts who:

  • Share their personal home during the stay.
  • Have severe allergies or safety concerns.
  • Operate outside of U.S. jurisdictions.

ESA Letter Importance for Airbnb Acceptance

While Airbnb’s platform encourages ESA accommodation, hosts may ask for proof. This is where an ESA letter comes in handy.

Your ESA letter should:
✅ Be issued by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP).
✅ Be on official letterhead with license info.
✅ Clearly state that your ESA is medically necessary.
✅ Be signed and dated within 12 months.

👉 Having this documentation increases host trust and reduces the risk of booking issues.

How to Book Airbnb with an ESA

  1. Search for Pet-Friendly Listings First
    • While ESAs are not pets, pet-friendly homes are more open-minded.
  2. Message the Host Before Booking
    • Politely explain you have an ESA and can provide a valid ESA letter.
  3. Provide Documentation If Requested
    • Share a scanned copy of your ESA letter.
  4. Request Pet Fee Waiver
    • Airbnb hosts are not allowed to charge extra for ESAs.
  5. Keep Your ESA Well-Behaved
    • Disruptive animals can result in booking cancellation.

What Airbnb Hosts Can and Cannot Do

✅ Airbnb Hosts Can:

  • Verify your ESA letter.
  • Refuse if they fall under exemptions (shared homes, allergies, safety risks).
  • Ask you to pay for damages caused by the ESA.

❌ Airbnb Hosts Cannot:

  • Charge extra fees for ESAs.
  • Reject bookings solely because you have a valid ESA.
  • Ask for invasive medical details beyond your ESA letter.

Common Challenges Travelers Face with Airbnb & ESAs

  1. Host Resistance
    • Some hosts aren’t familiar with ESA laws.
    • Solution: Politely educate and provide your ESA letter.
  2. International Bookings
    • ESA laws differ outside the U.S. Airbnb hosts abroad may refuse.
    • Solution: Research local regulations before booking.
  3. Shared Homes
    • Hosts sharing their space may be exempt.
    • Solution: Prioritize entire-home rentals for fewer issues.
  4. Damage Concerns
    • Hosts may be worried about property damage.
    • Solution: Assure them your ESA is trained and well-behaved.

Tips for Smooth ESA Airbnb Stays

  • Always Book Early – Communicate with hosts before finalizing.
  • Provide ESA Letter Promptly – Builds trust and avoids disputes.
  • Choose Entire Homes – Reduces conflict with shared spaces.
  • Leave Positive Reviews – Helps future ESA travelers.
  • Be Transparent – Honesty ensures smoother stays.

FAQs

Q1: Do all Airbnb hosts have to accept ESAs?
👉 In the U.S., most must comply under FHA, but exemptions exist for shared spaces.

Q2: Can an Airbnb host charge me a pet fee for my ESA?
👉 No. ESAs are legally exempt from pet fees.

Q3: What if a host refuses my ESA despite my letter?
👉 Report to Airbnb Support, as this may violate Airbnb’s policy.

Q4: Do international Airbnb hosts have to accept ESAs?
👉 Not necessarily. ESA laws vary by country.

Q5: Should I book pet-friendly listings only?
👉 Not required, but it often reduces conflict.

Legal Considerations

  • U.S. Travelers → Protected by FHA; ESA letters carry strong weight.
  • International Travelers → Must check country-specific ESA rules.
  • Airbnb’s Platform → Generally supportive of ESA owners but enforces host exemptions.

Conclusion

Booking an Airbnb with your Emotional Support Animal doesn’t have to be stressful. With a valid ESA letter, clear communication, and knowledge of Airbnb’s policy, you can enjoy stress-free stays in most short-term rentals.

While some exemptions exist, the combination of Airbnb rules, FHA protections, and a strong ESA letter makes it easier for ESA owners to travel comfortably.

👉 With the right preparation, you and your ESA can enjoy Airbnb experiences around the world without unnecessary obstacles.

”Get Yours Now!

Don’t wait until a landlord or airline tells you “no pets allowed.” Protect your rights today.

Please fill out this form and our team wil contact you ASAP.

Form Link

Complete your assessment in minutes , get approved by a licensed professional, and receive your letter within 24 hours.