How Long Is an ESA Letter Good For?The Real Scoop on Timelines and Renewals

Picture this: You hand your ESA letter to your landlord—official, signed, and sealed—expecting everything to go smoothly from here. But instead of a simple “thanks,” they raise an eyebrow and say, “This letter looks expired.” 

Now you’re left wondering—how long is an ESA letter good for? Is it a one-and-done kind of document, or do you need to renew it to keep your housing protections in place?

In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about ESA expiration and renewals so you can keep your ESA letter valid and avoid unnecessary headaches.

Do ESA Letters Expire?

Technically, ESA letters don’t expire. That’s because emotional support animal protections fall under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), and the guidelines of the department that administers it—the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)—don’t set a specific expiration date for ESA housing letters. This means that there’s no federally mandated timeline for how long your letter is considered valid.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s always accepted indefinitely. Some states, like Iowa and Arkansas, require ESA letters to be renewed every year to remain valid. While this isn’t a federal rule, if you live in a state with renewal requirements, handing over an old letter to your landlord might not cut it.

So, while there’s no built-in expiration date, keeping an eye on state rules can save you some hassle down the road.

How Often Do You Have To Renew Your ESA Status?

Many landlords and housing providers prefer ESA letters that are no more than a year old. While some might accept older documentation, others may ask for a recent letter to confirm your ongoing need for an emotional support animal. Think of it like a prescription—just as a pharmacist won’t hand over medication without valid, current proof, your landlord might check in with your doctor to confirm your ESA’s status.

Now, imagine this: your landlord calls to verify your letter, and your doctor—who hasn’t heard from you in ages—says, “Sorry, I can’t vouch for that.” Suddenly, your ESA approval is in question, and you’re left scrambling to prove your case. Not exactly a situation you want to be in, right?

That’s why it’s a good rule of thumb to renew your ESA letter before a year has passed from your last date of issue, even if your state doesn’t mandate it or your landlord hasn’t come knocking for verification yet. Staying ahead of the timeline helps ensure your ESA paperwork is always fresh and ready when you need it.

When Do ESA Letters Especially Need To Be Renewed?

In addition to state laws, there are some cases when renewing your ESA letter isn’t just something you’d do to make sure your landlord doesn’t challenge you on it—it’s legally required. If you find yourself in any of the following scenarios, you may have no other choice but to update your ESA letter:

How To Renew an ESA Letter

Renewing your ESA letter isn’t complicated, but it does require some planning. Whether you’re sticking with your current provider or finding a new one, here’s how to make sure your ESA documentation stays up to date without any last-minute stress:

1. Check if you can renew with your current provider
2. Find a new provider (if necessary)
3. Consider renewing online

Check if You Can Renew With Your Current Provider

The simplest route? Talk to the licensed mental health professional (LMHP) who issued your original ESA letter, whether it was your therapist, psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician, or another kind of LMHP. If they’re still available and licensed in your state, they likely won’t have any problem issuing it again, provided you meet all the qualifying conditions for ESA.

But don’t assume it’ll be instant. The process can vary depending on your provider and the amount of time that has passed since you’ve last been in touch: 

• Some providers may issue a new letter with little fuss, which is likely to happen if you’ve been regular with your appointments
• Whether it’s been a while since your last appointment or your mental health needs have changed, your provider will likely require a fresh evaluation before issuing a new ESA letter. Expect them to ask about your current symptoms and the ways your ESA has been helping you manage them

Find a New Provider (if Necessary)

If your original provider is no longer available—whether due to retirement, relocation, or other circumstances—it’s time to look for a new provider. 

The good news, though? Since you’ve already had an ESA letter issued in the past, you’re not starting from zero. Having a documented history of ESA support can help you explain your needs more clearly to a new provider. It may make it easier for them to understand your treatment goals, especially if your circumstances haven’t changed significantly. 

But not all healthcare providers write ESA letters, so it’s important to look for one who’s experienced in this area and has all the right credentials:

• They must be licensed to practice in your state
• They must be familiar with the ESA requirements 
• They must conduct legitimate ESA evaluations (filling out a quick form isn’t enough in this case)
• They may need to be on your case for at least 30 days before issuing the letter (as required by states like California)

Consider Renewing Online

We get it—renewing an ESA letter the traditional way can be a lot to handle. Searching for a qualified provider, verifying their credentials, waiting for an opening, and finding time in your schedule to attend an in-person consultation can be time-consuming and stressful.

Luckily, telehealth services make it easy to renew your ESA letter online. As long as you’re evaluated by a properly licensed professional, your remote renewal is just as valid as one done in person.

Here’s how it typically goes:

1. Start with a brief screening—Most services begin with a short questionnaire to determine your potential eligibility as an ESA owner
2. Have a virtual evaluation—If eligible, you’ll meet via video call with a state-registered LMHP for a proper clinical assessment
3. Get your updated letter—If approved, you’ll receive a legally valid ESA letter, often within just a few days

But make sure you don’t fall into the trap of online scams. While more and more people reach for online evaluations because of their speed and convenience, not every service you’ll find on the internet is trustworthy. Watch out for these red flags:

• Websites promising instant ESA approvals—Legit letters require a real evaluation, no shortcuts. Any letter that skips this step is fake
• Services selling ESA registration or ESA certification—These aren’t legally required and don’t prove anything
• Websites offering free or suspiciously cheap ESA letters, or DIY templates—Real mental health evaluations cost money, and you can’t write an ESA letter yourself either

Don’t worry though—reputable providers aren’t that hard to come by either. As long as you choose a transparent, compliant platform like Your Service Animal, you’ll renew your letter in no time and with zero stress.

Your Service Animal—Renew Your ESA Letter With Ease

Your Service Animal takes the hassle out of getting an official ESA letter—no endless paperwork and no long wait times. This online platform connects you with vetted LMHPs for convenient virtual consultations, ensuring your ESA letter is 100% legitimate and compliant with federal and state laws.

Here’s why you should choose Your Service Animal:

Renew Your ESA Letter ASAP

Ready to give your old ESA letter a new shine? Here’s how to do it:

1. Find out if you’re a good fit for an ESA letter with our online quiz
2. Schedule an online appointment with a licensed mental health practitioner in your state
3. Attend the online call and receive your ESA letter if clinically appropriate
4. Receive a full refund if the therapist doesn’t issue an ESA letter or your landlord rejects your letter