If a housing provider requests documentation signed by a physician or licensed medical provider, this template illustrates how ESA verification language is typically structured for housing accommodation review.
This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical or legal advice. Only a licensed healthcare professional who has conducted a legitimate clinical evaluation may issue an ESA letter.
Understanding Housing Documentation Requirements
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), individuals with qualifying disabilities may request reasonable accommodation for an Emotional Support Animal in housing.
In certain situations, a landlord or property manager may request reliable documentation from a licensed healthcare provider when a disability or need for accommodation is not readily apparent.
The template below reflects commonly used clinical verification structure for housing-related ESA documentation.
Doctor-Signed ESA Letter Template
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL (ESA) VERIFICATION LETTER
(Physician / Medical Provider Housing Verification Format)
Date: [Insert Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am a licensed medical provider currently treating [Patient Full Name]. Following a clinical evaluation, I have determined that the patient has a mental or emotional health condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
As part of the patient’s ongoing treatment plan, I find that the presence of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is necessary for their mental health and daily functioning. The ESA provides therapeutic benefit and alleviates symptoms associated with the patient’s condition.
Accordingly, I recommend that [Patient Name] be permitted to keep an Emotional Support Animal in their residence as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). An ESA is not considered a pet under federal housing law, and pet-related fees, breed restrictions, or weight limitations do not apply.
If verification of my licensure is required, I am available to confirm my credentials in accordance with applicable privacy regulations.
Sincerely,
[Doctor / Provider Full Name], [MD / DO / Credentials]
Licensed [Profession]
License Number: [License Number]
State of Licensure: [State]
Practice Address: [Address]
Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Professional Email]
Important Compliance Information
A valid ESA letter must:
- Be issued by a properly licensed healthcare professional
- Follow a legitimate clinical evaluation
- Be written within the provider’s scope of practice
- Include verifiable licensure information
Online “registrations,” ID cards, or certificates alone do not establish housing accommodation rights under federal law.
Housing providers may verify licensure. However, they generally may not require disclosure of a specific diagnosis or detailed medical records.
Download the Doctor-Signed ESA Letter Template
Get the professionally structured version ready for official housing submission:
(Formatted for physician or licensed medical provider signature.)
Related ESA Letter Templates
You may also need:
- Standard ESA Letter Template
- Landlord-Specific ESA Letter
- ESA Letter PDF Printable All Sizes
- California ESA Letter Template
Each version is structured for housing compliance and documentation clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Federal housing guidance allows licensed mental health professionals to issue ESA letters. Some housing providers may request documentation from a physician, but the key requirement is proper licensure and a legitimate provider-patient relationship.
Generally, housing providers may request reliable documentation from a licensed healthcare professional but cannot arbitrarily restrict valid provider categories if the professional is licensed and acting within their scope of practice.
Under the Fair Housing Act, an approved Emotional Support Animal is not treated as a standard pet for purposes of reasonable accommodation. However, tenants remain responsible for any actual damage caused by the animal.