Do ESA Letters Expire? Discover the Truth About ESA Letters

Many people rely on Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) to manage emotional or psychological conditions, especially in housing situations where pets might not otherwise be allowed. But one common concern often comes up: how long does an ESA letter remain valid—and do you need to renew it regularly?

Understanding the rules around ESA letter validity is essential to avoid issues with landlords, travel, or documentation. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about ESA letter expiration, renewal timelines, legal protections, and the risks of using outdated or unofficial paperwork.

Do ESA Letters Expire?

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) doesn’t set a fixed expiration for ESA letters in housing scenarios, but annual renewal is strongly recommended. Most states and professional guidelines recommend renewing them periodically—often once a year—to confirm that the need for the animal is still current. 

Importance of Renewal

Renewing your yearly ESA letter is crucial for keeping your legal rights and making housing easier. This isn’t a legal must, but it’s practical. 

It ensures you and your ESA can live together without issues, as landlords often look for up-to-date letters. This yearly update helps avoid problems and keeps everything running smoothly with your housing situation.

If you’re renewing through a new professional and wondering what professionals can write an ESA letter, make sure they are licensed mental health professionals authorized in your state.

Remember: Keeping your ESA letter fresh every year helps everything go smoothly where you live and keeps your support animal by your side.

How Long Is an ESA Letter Good For?

Do ESA Letters Expire for Housing?

Yes. While federal housing law supports ongoing accommodation for disabilities, many states require current documentation to justify that support. That’s why most Emotional Support Animals letters for housing come with a suggested renewal window—often annually.

When Do ESA Letters Expire?

ESA letters typically remain valid for one year in housing contexts, according to legal and clinical standards. While air travel no longer accepts ESA letters, service dogs still require documentation per trip under DOT regulations.

• Housing situations: ESA letters generally need to be renewed every 12 months, as advised by most state laws and mental health guidelines. While your letter might not show a specific expiration date, landlords often expect updated verification that confirms your current need for an emotional support animal. Annual renewals help ensure that a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) has recently evaluated your condition and continues to support your ESA accommodation.
• Air travel: Emotional support animal letters are no longer valid for airline use. Understanding the ESA vs service animal distinction is key when flying. Since the DOT’s 2021 policy change, only trained service dogs are permitted to fly under the Air Carrier Access Act protections. As a result, ESAs are treated like typical pets, and travelers must follow airline-specific rules and fees. Service dog handlers, on the other hand, must submit DOT paperwork for each individual flight—not on a yearly basis.

Remember: It’s important to understand that protections vary between housing, travel, and public places. Learn more about where your ESA is allowed.

How Long Does It Take to Renew an ESA Letter?

The process for renewing an ESA letter is streamlined for convenience, as ESA Pet provides renewals within 24-48 hours after a consultation. This quick turnaround is crucial for maintaining continuous ESA support. 

To ensure no interruptions in your ESA’s status, it’s wise to begin the renewal process ahead of your current letter’s expiration, facilitating a smooth and timely continuation of your ESA’s recognition. Keeping your ESA letter current can help you avoid paying pet fees in housing, as landlords are more likely to honor your accommodation rights with up-to-date documentation.

ESA Letter Renewal Process

The ESA letter renewal process involves 3 mais steps:

1

Take Free
Pre-Screening

2

Connect With A
Licensed Therapist

3

Receive
Your Letter

FAQ About ESA Letter Renewal

Do I have to get a new letter every year?

In most cases, yes. While ESA letters technically do not expire, many housing providers, therapists, and legal advisors recommend renewing them annually. This annual renewal helps confirm your ongoing emotional or psychological need for an ESA and ensures your documentation remains up to date and credible in case it is reviewed by landlords or legal authorities.

What if my doctor charges a fee for renewal?

That’s quite common. Renewing an ESA letter typically involves a reassessment or updated evaluation by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), which can take time and professional effort. As a result, many providers charge a fee for this service. It’s important to budget for this potential cost, just like any other recurring health-related expense.

What about emergency travel?

Currently, emotional support animals are no longer recognized under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines for air travel. This means airlines are no longer required to allow ESAs to travel in the cabin for free. Only trained service dogs that meet ADA criteria are eligible. If you need to travel last-minute, make sure to review airline-specific policies—and remember, an ESA letter will not qualify your pet for travel benefits.

Can I renew online?

Yes, as long as the renewal involves a legitimate telehealth consultation or assessment with a licensed mental health professional. Be cautious with platforms that only offer automated forms without a real clinical evaluation, as those may not be legally valid. Some states also require that the provider has an existing relationship with the patient, so it’s important to verify local legal requirements before proceeding.

Do Landlords Actually Verify ESA Letters?

Yes, they can. If your disability or your animal’s role in assisting with it isn’t immediately apparent, landlords are within their rights to request documentation. This typically includes proof that (1) you have a disability, and (2) your ESA helps alleviate symptoms or effects of that disability. However, landlords cannot demand a specific diagnosis, access to medical records, or other sensitive personal details.

Are ESA Letters Good for Life?

No, ESA letters are not permanent. Even though the letter may not come with a formal expiration date, most states and ethical clinical guidelines encourage—or even require—annual updates. Regular renewal ensures the continued validity of your ESA status and demonstrates responsible compliance with the law.

Note: Misrepresenting an ESA or using a fraudulent letter can result in legal consequences, including fines and possible criminal charges, depending on your state’s regulations.

Do You Have to Renew Your ESA Certificate?

No. While there is no legal requirement for an animal to be “registered” or “certified” to qualify as an ESA for housing purposes, and businesses claiming to register or certify ESAs charge for an unnecessary service, the documentation from a healthcare professional supporting the need for an ESA often needs to be renewed. 

This documentation is typically referred to as an “ESA letter.” Therefore, you may need to renew your ESA letter from a health care professional, rather than an “ESA certificate” or registration.

Conclusion

The rules around Emotional Support Animals have changed—especially when it comes to flying. ESAs are no longer allowed to fly for free and are treated as pets by airlines.

In housing, federal laws protect your right to an ESA, but state laws and clinical guidelines often require you to keep your documentation current—usually with an annual or biannual renewal.

Landlords can verify your ESA letter if the need isn’t obvious but can’t ask for personal health details. And remember: your documentation must come from a licensed professional who has actually assessed your need for the animal.

Staying informed and keeping your letter up to date ensures smoother interactions with landlords and fair access to your ESA rights.