What Makes an ESA Letter Legit in Georgia?

What Makes an ESA Letter Legit in Georgia? Red Flags to Avoid

Not all ESA letters are created equal—especially in Georgia, where renters and airlines are increasingly cracking down on fake or invalid emotional support animal (ESA) letters. Whether you’re applying for housing in Atlanta, Macon, or Savannah, you need to make sure your letter complies with both federal housing laws and Georgia-specific licensing rules.

In this guide, we’ll explain what makes an ESA letter legally valid in Georgia—and how to avoid scams that can leave you and your pet unprotected.

What Is a Legitimate ESA Letter?

A legitimate ESA letter is a formal recommendation written and signed by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). It must:

• Be written on the professional’s official letterhead
• Include their license number and the state in which they’re licensed
• State that you have a mental or emotional disability as defined by the DSM-5
• Confirm that an ESA is part of your ongoing treatment plan
• Be dated within the last 12 months

In Georgia, the provider must also be legally licensed in the state—or operating under telehealth rules that allow cross-state evaluations.

Why a Valid ESA Letter Matters in Georgia

Georgia landlords are not required to accept a letter that isn’t legally compliant. Submitting a fake or questionable ESA letter can result in:

• Immediate denial of housing accommodation
• Potential eviction for policy violations
• Fines or fraud accusations
• Loss of trust with landlords or property managers

Landlords have the legal right to request verification of the letter’s validity. If it’s from a suspicious website or a non-licensed provider, it may be rejected outright.

Red Flags of Fake ESA Letter Websites

Unfortunately, many websites sell ESA letters without involving real licensed professionals. Watch out for these red flags:

• No mental health evaluation required – Legitimate ESA letters always require an assessment by an LMHP.
• Instant download or approval – ESA letters can’t legally be pre-written or automated.
• No license or contact info – You should always be able to verify the provider’s credentials.
• “Lifetime ESA letters” – Federal law requires updated letters (typically within 12 months).
• Over-promises (e.g., airline access) – ESA letters no longer grant free air travel rights under current federal rules.

What Georgia Law Says

Georgia follows federal housing law under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which means a valid ESA letter can grant you reasonable accommodations in rental properties. However, your letter must come from a licensed provider—typically a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, or clinical social worker.

In 2020, HUD issued further guidance requiring that the professional have a legitimate therapeutic relationship with the client. That means no quick sign-offs or “pay-to-print” letters from unverified websites.

Why Trust CertifyESA?

CertifyESA connects Georgia residents with real, licensed mental health professionals who perform proper evaluations and write legally valid ESA letters. We stand apart by:

• Following HUD and FHA guidelines
• Offering video-based assessments or secure online forms
• Providing letters on official letterhead with license verification
• Making sure your ESA letter is valid in Georgia and nationwide