How to Use Your ESA Letter When Renting in Wisconsin

How to Use Your ESA Letter When Renting in Wisconsin

A Guide from PetCerts.com

For many individuals, a psychiatric service dog (PSD) plays a crucial role in maintaining emotional well-being and stability. If you're planning to rent a home or apartment in Wisconsin and you rely on a PSD, it’s important to understand your rights and how to properly present your letter when dealing with landlords.

At PetCerts.com, we help individuals secure valid PSD letters for housing and travel. While emotional support animals (ESAs) no longer have travel protections under the Air Carrier Access Act, housing protections under the Fair Housing Act still apply—and PSDs are protected under both laws.

Here’s how to confidently use your PSD letter when renting in Wisconsin:

 

1. Know Your Rights Under the Fair Housing Act

In Wisconsin, as in the rest of the U.S., the Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits housing providers from discriminating against tenants with disabilities. If you have a PSD, landlords must make reasonable accommodations—even in "no pets" buildings. This applies to apartments, condos, single-family homes (if a real estate agent is involved), and most other types of rental housing.

You are not required to disclose your specific diagnosis, but you do need documentation (like a PSD letter) verifying that your animal is necessary to help manage a mental or emotional disability.

2. Timing Matters: When to Provide Your Letter

It's best to present your PSD housing letter after you've applied and been accepted for a rental, but before you sign the lease. This ensures the focus stays on your qualifications as a tenant—not your need for an assistance animal. In Wisconsin, landlords are required to consider reasonable accommodation requests at any point during your tenancy, but being proactive helps avoid confusion.

3. What Landlords Can and Cannot Ask

Under federal and state laws, landlords in Wisconsin cannot:

• Charge pet rent or deposits for your PSD

• Deny your application solely because of your PSD

• Ask for medical records or a specific diagnosis

They can:

• Request reliable documentation showing that you have a disability and need the animal

• Ask for verification from a licensed healthcare provider who is familiar with your condition

When you order a PSD letter from PetCerts.com, you’re getting documentation that aligns with current legal standards—making your rental experience smoother and more secure.

4. Handling Pushback Professionally

Even in a state with clear housing laws like Wisconsin, not all landlords are familiar with PSD protections. If you receive resistance:

• Stay calm and refer to the Fair Housing Act

• Politely explain that your dog is a service animal for a mental or emotional disability

• Offer to provide your PSD housing letter and encourage them to review the law

Many conflicts arise from misunderstanding—not malice. A well-prepared letter from PetCerts.com can quickly resolve questions and keep the rental process moving.

5. Keep a Copy of Your Letter Handy

Once you’ve submitted your PSD letter and received approval, it’s a good idea to keep a digital and printed copy for future reference. If you plan to move or switch landlords, having your documentation ready will save time and help avoid unnecessary delays.

 Navigating Rentals in Wisconsin with Confidence

Living with a psychiatric service dog shouldn't be a barrier to finding a safe, comfortable home. In Wisconsin, you have strong legal protections—and with a valid PSD housing letter, you're empowered to exercise your rights with clarity and confidence.

At PetCerts.com, we’re here to support individuals who need legitimate, legally sound PSD letters for both housing and travel. Whether you're relocating within Wisconsin or just starting your rental journey, we're proud to be part of your support system.