How Long is an ESA Letter Valid? Your Renewal & Expiration Guide
How Long is an ESA Letter Valid? Your Renewal & Expiration Guide
If you share your home with an emotional support animal (ESA), your documentation is the shield that protects you from unfair pet fees, breed restrictions, and “no-pet” housing policies. But as a new lease approaches or you look to move into a new apartment, one question becomes urgent: How long is an ESA letter valid?
In 2026, landlords and property managers have become increasingly strict about verifying assistance animal documentation. While federal law under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) provides broad protections, it does not mean your letter is “valid for life.” Understanding the lifecycle of your ESA letter is crucial to ensuring you never face an unexpected eviction threat or a sudden bill for pet rent.
At Perfect ESA Letter, we specialize in providing legitimate, verifiable documentation that stands up to 2026 housing standards. If your letter is nearing its limit, don’t wait for your landlord to flag it—apply for an ESA letter now to secure a fresh, state-licensed evaluation.
The Standard Answer: How Long is an ESA Letter Valid?
In the eyes of most housing providers and mental health professionals, an ESA letter is valid for 12 months (one year) from the date of issuance.
Technically, the Fair Housing Act does not explicitly state an expiration date for assistance animal documentation. However, HUD (the Department of Housing and Urban Development) clarifies that a landlord has the right to request “reliable, current documentation” of a disability and the need for an animal.
Why 12 Months is the “Gold Standard”
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Clinical Accuracy: Mental health is not static. A letter older than a year may no longer accurately reflect your current treatment plan or therapeutic needs.
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Landlord Scrutiny: Most property management software in 2026 is programmed to flag documents that are over a year old as “expired.”
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Verification Issues: If a landlord calls a clinician to verify a three-year-old letter, that clinician may no longer have you as an active patient, causing them to decline the verification.
2026 State-Specific Rules: The California Exception
While federal laws provide a baseline, some states have introduced stricter requirements regarding how long an ESA letter is valid and how it must be obtained.
California’s AB 468 Requirements
If you live in California, you must adhere to specific rules that affect your letter’s validity and the renewal process:
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The 30-Day Rule: A licensed professional must establish a client-provider relationship with you for at least 30 days before issuing or renewing an ESA letter.
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Annual Renewal: While not explicitly stated as an “expiration,” the law emphasizes an ongoing clinical relationship, making annual updates practically mandatory to remain compliant.
Other State Trends
States like Arkansas and Montana have also moved toward requiring more frequent check-ins with licensed professionals. If you move across state lines, your previous letter may no longer be considered valid, as most landlords now require a letter from a professional licensed in the new state.
Comparison: ESA Housing vs. PSD Travel Validity
The question of how long is an ESA letter valid varies depending on the type of assistance animal and the environment (Home vs. Sky).
| Requirement | ESA Housing Letter | PSD (Service Dog) Letter |
| Standard Validity | 12 Months | 12 Months |
| Legal Basis | Fair Housing Act (FHA) | Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) |
| Renewal Trigger | New Lease / Annual Review | Flight Booking / DOT Form |
| Primary Goal | Waive Pet Rent/Fees | Cabin Access & Fee Waiver |
If you are planning to fly, remember that most airlines in 2026 no longer accept ESA letters. For air travel, you may need to transition to a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) evaluation. You can apply for an ESA letter now and ask your clinician about PSD options for travel.
How to Tell if Your ESA Letter is Still Valid
Before you submit your documents to a new landlord, check for these four “Red Flags” that might cause a rejection:
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The Date: If the date on the letterhead is more than 11 months old, it’s time to renew.
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Clinician License Status: Landlords in 2026 frequently check state boards. If your doctor’s license has expired or they have moved out of state, the letter is no longer valid.
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Missing “Therapeutic Nexus”: If the letter is a simple “prescription” without explaining that the animal alleviates symptoms of a disability, it may be rejected under newer HUD guidelines.
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No Contact Info: A valid letter must include the clinician’s phone number, office address, and license number for verification.
Internal Linking & Compliance Tools
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Apply for an ESA letter now for an annual renewal discount.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a landlord evict me if my ESA letter expires mid-lease?
Typically, no. If the animal was approved at the start of your lease, you are usually safe until your lease renewal. However, a landlord may request an updated letter at the time of renewal to continue the “reasonable accommodation.”
Do I need to see the same doctor to renew my letter?
No. You can see a different Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP). However, they will need to conduct a fresh clinical evaluation to confirm your ongoing need for the animal.
Is a “Lifetime” ESA letter legitimate?
No. Any website or service offering a “lifetime” or “permanent” ESA letter is likely a scam. Mental health conditions are evaluated periodically, and no ethical clinician would sign a document claiming a permanent need without ongoing assessment.
How much does it cost to renew an ESA letter?
Renewal costs typically range from $90 to $160, depending on your state and the depth of the evaluation. At Perfect ESA Letter, we offer streamlined renewal processes for existing clients.
What if I move to a new state with an old letter?
Most landlords require a letter from a provider licensed in the state where the property is located. If you move, you should apply for an ESA letter now with a clinician licensed in your new home state.
Can my landlord charge me a “verification fee” for an old letter?
Absolutely not. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot charge any fees (including “processing” or “verification” fees) for assistance animal documentation.
Conclusion: Stay Proactive with Your ESA Protection
So, how long is an ESA letter valid? While the law is flexible, the reality of the 2026 rental market dictates an annual update. Keeping your documentation current is the only way to guarantee that your housing rights remain uninterrupted.
An expired letter is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a risk to your housing security. Don’t wait for your property manager to send a notice. Take five minutes today to ensure your animal companion is legally protected for another year.
Is your letter older than 12 months?