Do ESA Letters Expire?
ESA letters don't have a legally mandated expiration date — but most licensed clinicians issue them for one year. Here's why that matters and what you need to do when yours is due for renewal.
Why ESA Letters Expire After One Year
The Fair Housing Act doesn't specify how long an ESA letter must be valid. However, there are clinical and practical reasons why one year is the standard:
Mental health conditions change
A clinical assessment that is more than a year old may not accurately reflect your current condition. Landlords are entitled to rely on current documentation.
Ongoing clinical relationship
A letter is more defensible when it reflects an ongoing relationship with a licensed clinician — not a single encounter from years ago.
Landlord request for updated documentation
HUD guidance acknowledges that landlords may request updated documentation when a prior letter has aged significantly or circumstances have changed.
Best practice in clinical ethics
Licensed mental health professionals are ethically obligated to assess current conditions. Issuing a multi-year or lifetime ESA letter without re-evaluation is not consistent with clinical standards.
What Happens When Your Letter Expires?
In most cases, your housing accommodation continues even after your letter expires — especially if you're already living in the unit. However:
- If you move to a new residence, you'll need a current letter to request accommodation
- Your landlord may request updated documentation at lease renewal
- If a dispute arises, an expired letter provides weaker protection than a current one
- A new property manager or landlord may require fresh documentation
Best practice
Renew your ESA letter before it expires — ideally 30–45 days before the anniversary of issuance. This ensures you're never in a gap and that your documentation is always current.
The Renewal Process
Complete a new clinical intake
You'll fill out an updated questionnaire about your current mental health condition, how your animal helps, and any changes since your last evaluation.
Attend a telehealth consultation
A licensed clinician in your state will conduct a live appointment — video or phone — to assess your current situation. This is what makes the letter defensible.
Clinician reviews and issues updated letter
If clinically appropriate, the clinician will issue a new ESA letter reflecting the current evaluation date, their current license, and your current situation.
Receive your updated letter
Your new letter is delivered digitally and can be provided to your housing provider. The verification code on the new letter can be confirmed through our verification page.
Renewal Timeline
45 days before expiry
Good time to start the renewal process. Gives you buffer if there are any scheduling delays.
30 days before expiry
Final reminder window. Book your telehealth appointment if you haven't already.
7 days before expiry
Urgent window. Your letter expires in one week — schedule immediately.
Expiration date
Letter is no longer current. You can still renew retroactively, but your housing protection may be weaker during any gap.