SAMPLE LANDLORD REQUEST LETTER
The law requires that you ask your landlord for an accommodation for your Emotional Support Animal. The following are samples of letters that should be submitted to your landlord together with your prescriptive ESA letter from one of our psychotherapists.
The first sample is for a person already living in a rental unit and wanting to get a new emotional support animal. The second sample is for someone who already has an emotional support animal and is wanting to acquire a new rental unit.
Existing landlord, New ESA
Date
John Doe, Building Manager
231 Main Street
Miami, Fl 33180
Dear Mr Doe:
I am a tenant at 231 Main Street in unit #363. I have a psychiatric disability that hinders my ability to live alone. Although the rules say that there is a 'no pets' policy, my psychotherapist has prescribed an emotional support animal to ensure my emotional well being. I am therefore requesting a reasonable accommodation under the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 3601, et seq.).
I have attached verification from my psychotherapist of my disability and the functional limitations I experience, as well as a prescription for an emotional support animal to help me compensate for my disability.
As my psychotherapist’s letter states, because of my disability, I am unable to sleep, stop shaking, socialize, hold a job or care for myself because of my severe anxiety. I am asking that you modify your existing pet rules to permit me to have an emotional support animal as prescribed. The presence of a companion animal would help me greatly in living through the troubles that I face every day by providing needed companionship, emotional support and a reason for living.
Please send your reply in writing about this request for accommodation within ten business days or by June 9th. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to receiving your reply.
Existing ESA, new landlord
Date
John Doe, Building Manager
231 Main Street
Miami, Fl 33180
Dear Mr. Doe:
I am applying to become a tenant at 231 Main Street in unit #363. I have a psychiatric disability that hinders my ability to live alone. Although the rules say that there is a 'no pets' policy, my psychotherapist has prescribed an emotional support animal to ensure my emotional well being. I am therefore requesting a reasonable accommodation under the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 3601, et seq.).
I have attached verification from my psychotherapist of my disability and the functional limitations I experience, as well as a prescription for an emotional support animal to help me compensate for my disability. I have also included references attesting to my emotional support animal's good behavior, and a pet resume.
As my psychotherapist’s letter states, because of my disability, I am unable to sleep, stop shaking, socialize, hold a job or care for myself because of my severe anxiety. I am asking that you modify your existing pet rules to permit me to keep my emotional support animal, Scooby, as recommended by my therapist. The presence of a companion animal would help me greatly in living through the troubles that I face every day by providing needed companionship, emotional support and a reason for living.
Please send your reply in writing about this request for accommodation within ten business days or by June 9th. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to receiving your reply.
Sincerely,