Living in a no-pet apartment can be hard when your pet helps you feel better. If you have an emotional support animal (ESA) and a letter from RealESALetter, you can ask your landlord to make an exception. This guide will walk you through how to use your ESA letter the right way to live with your pet in a no-pet apartment.

Step 1: Make Sure Your ESA Letter is Legitimate

RealESALetter gives a legal and real ESA letter from a licensed therapist. When you get a letter, check that it includes:

The therapist’s name, license number, and state of license A statement saying you have a mental or emotional disability A note that your animal helps with your condition A signature and date

A real letter will be on professional letterhead. This matters because landlords often check if a letter is valid. With a RealESALetter letter, you’re protected.

Step 2: Don’t Wait — Notify Your Landlord Early

As soon as you get your letter, tell your landlord or property manager. Don’t wait until they give you a warning. It’s better to explain the situation before there’s a problem.

Send a short email or letter that says:

I live at [your address] and I have an emotional support animal that helps with my health condition. I have an ESA letter from a licensed therapist. Please let me know how to submit my request for reasonable accommodation.

Be polite. Stay calm. Don’t argue. Just share the facts. If your landlord asks for verification, this guide on what to do if your landlord needs to verify your ESA letter may help.

Step 3: Submit Your ESA Letter the Right Way

Most landlords will ask you to email a copy of the ESA letter. Some might also have a form to fill out. Follow their instructions exactly.

Along with your letter, you may also need to send:

A photo of your animal Your animal’s name, age, and type Proof of vaccinations (for dogs or cats)

If your landlord asks for extra things like medical records or your diagnosis, you can say no. They’re not allowed to ask for private medical details. The letter is enough.

Step 4: Know Your Rights Under the Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act says landlords must allow ESAs in housing, even if they have a no-pet rule. They also can’t charge you pet fees or deposits for your ESA.

Here’s what your landlord can’t do:

Deny your request just because they don’t allow pets Charge you a pet fee Ask you to pay a higher deposit Force you to live in a different unit

They can deny your request only if:

Your animal is aggressive or dangerous Your ESA would cause major damage or hardship

But this is rare. Most landlords approve the request if you have a proper letter.

Step 5: What to Do If Your Landlord Pushes Back

If your landlord says no, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

Stay Calm and Ask for the Reason

Ask them why they denied the request. They might not understand the ESA laws. Sometimes they just need more information.

Share More Info

You can offer to:

Send proof that your letter is from a licensed therapist Provide a link to RealESALetter’s FAQ page Let them contact the therapist (with your permission)

Contact RealESALetter for Support

They can help you reply to your landlord or even speak on your behalf. Many students and renters say this support helped them get approved.

File a Complaint if Needed

If your landlord still says no without a legal reason, you can:

File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Contact a fair housing organization in your area

Step 6: Be a Responsible ESA Owner

Once your landlord says yes, keep your ESA safe and well-behaved. Follow these tips:

Keep your animal clean and healthy Make sure it doesn’t bark, bite, or damage things Clean up after your pet in shared spaces Respect your neighbors

Even with a letter, your landlord can ask you to remove your ESA if it causes harm or major issues. Be responsible and show that your animal is part of your treatment—not a problem.

Common Questions and Answers

Can my landlord deny my ESA letter?

Only if your animal is dangerous or causes major problems. Otherwise, the Fair Housing Act protects your right.

Can I be evicted for having an ESA?

Not if you have a legal ESA letter. But don’t wait until you're in trouble. Submit your letter before problems start.

Can I have more than one ESA?

Yes, but you need a letter that explains why you need each animal. Most people only have one.

Can my landlord ask for details about my condition?

No. They can’t ask for your diagnosis or medical records. The letter is enough.

What Real Renters Say About RealESALetter

Thousands of renters have used RealESALetter to keep their pets in no-pet apartments. Many say it was easy and fast. Some reviews mention getting approved in 24–48 hours. Others say the customer support team was helpful when landlords asked questions.

Here’s one renter’s story:

“My apartment said no pets, but I really needed my dog. I got a letter from RealESALetter, sent it to my landlord, and they accepted it. I’m so relieved I didn’t have to move.”

Tips for Smooth Communication with Your Landlord

Be respectful and polite Use email so everything is written down Don’t threaten or get angry Offer to answer questions or give more info

If you act calmly and clearly, most landlords will respond well.

When to Get Your ESA Letter

It’s best to get your ESA letter before you sign a lease. But if you already live there, it’s okay to apply anytime. Just don’t wait until there’s a problem.

Keeping a Printed Copy on Hand

Always keep a digital and printed copy of your ESA letter. If management changes or someone new asks questions, you’ll be ready.

You can also keep a copy of your animal’s vaccines, license, or any training documents. These aren’t required, but they help build trust.

What If You’re Moving to a New Place?

Bring your ESA letter when you apply for the apartment. Let the landlord know early. If they say no pets, explain your animal is an ESA and show the letter.

This makes things easier and shows you’re honest.

How RealESALetter Supports You

Besides providing ESA letters, RealESALetter helps you:

Answer the landlord's questions Provide extra documents if needed Stand by your rights if someone challenges them Update your letter yearly if your lease requires it

They’re not just a letter service. They understand the housing laws and guide you through the process.

What Kind of Animals Are Allowed?

Usually, dogs and cats are accepted. Some landlords may allow small pets like rabbits or hamsters. Unusual animals (snakes, spiders, large birds) may be harder to approve. Always check first.

Can a Landlord Ask Me to Get Rid of My ESA?

Only if the animal is a real danger, damages property badly, or causes big problems. If not, they must let you keep your ESA with no fees.

Don’t Fake It

Never use a fake letter or lie to your landlord. RealESALetter checks if you qualify before giving a letter. If you don’t need one, they won’t issue it. That’s why their letters are trusted.

If you live in a no-pet apartment, an ESA letter from RealESALetter can help you keep your pet legally. Just follow the steps:

1.     Get a valid letter

2.     Tell your landlord early

3.     Submit the letter properly

4.     Know your rights

5.     Be responsible

6.     Ask for help if needed

RealESALetter has helped thousands do this the right way. You can too. With the right letter and approach, your pet can stay with you and continue being part of your emotional support system.

Read More About RealESALetter

Can RealESALetter Help Me Get a Same-Day ESA Letter?

How Can I Verify the Legitimacy of My ESA Letter from RealESALetter?

What Happens If My Housing Provider Challenges My ESA Letter from RealESALetter?