How Much Can You Save on Pet Fees with an ESA Housing Letter from PetCerts.com

Renting with a pet can be a costly venture. Whether you’re dealing with pet deposits, monthly fees, or breed restrictions, the extra costs can quickly stack up. But if your pet is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), you may be able to bypass these expenses altogether. With a valid ESA housing letter, landlords are legally required to waive most pet-related fees. At PetCerts.com, obtaining such a letter is a straightforward process that could lead to huge savings.

Let’s break down exactly how much you could save and why having an ESA housing letter is so valuable.

What is an ESA Housing Letter?

An Emotional Support Animal is more than just a pet; they provide comfort and companionship to individuals struggling with emotional or psychological conditions. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), ESAs are given special protections. A legitimate ESA housing letter allows individuals with a diagnosed mental or emotional condition to live with their ESA even in properties with no-pet policies or where pet fees would otherwise apply.

An ESA housing letter is an official document written and signed by a licensed mental health professional. It confirms that the individual has a legitimate need for an ESA due to a mental or emotional condition, making the animal an essential part of their treatment and well-being.

Typical Pet-Related Costs for Renters

If you don’t have an ESA letter, the costs associated with keeping a pet in a rental property can be steep:

• Pet Deposits: Many landlords charge a refundable or non-refundable pet deposit to cover potential damages. This deposit typically ranges from $200 to $500.

• Monthly Pet Rent: In addition to deposits, some landlords charge monthly "pet rent," which can range from $25 to $50 per pet. This fee is usually added on top of your regular rent.

• Additional Pet Fees: Some landlords charge extra cleaning fees or breed-specific fees, and there may be restrictions on the type of animal or breed allowed on the property. This could mean you’re faced with additional one-time costs or end-of-lease charges for deep cleaning or repairs.

Here’s a sample breakdown of the costs for one year of renting with a pet:

• Pet Deposit: $300

• Monthly Pet Rent: $50 per month ($600 per year)

• Additional Fees: $100 (for cleaning or other damage)

That’s a total of $1,000 in the first year alone—and possibly more depending on your rental agreement. If you’re living with multiple pets, these costs could easily double or triple.

How Much Can You Save with an ESA Housing Letter?

With an ESA housing letter from PetCerts.com, you can avoid many of these fees. Under the FHA, landlords cannot charge additional fees or deposits for an ESA, nor can they impose breed or weight restrictions. Here’s how much you can save:

1. No Pet Deposits: Pet deposits typically range from $200 to $500 per pet. With an ESA letter, this cost is completely eliminated. Over a typical one-year lease, that’s an immediate savings of up to $500.

2. No Monthly Pet Rent: Pet rent adds up fast, especially if you have more than one pet. At $25 to $50 per month, that’s an extra $300 to $600 a year in your pocket. Multiply that over the length of a multi-year lease, and the savings become even more substantial.

3. Avoid Breed or Size Restrictions: If you have a larger dog or a breed often restricted by landlords, such as Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, or Rottweilers, the ESA letter protects your right to keep your animal. Many people are forced to either rehome their pets or pay for expensive pet-friendly properties just because of breed restrictions. This protection allows you to live in a wider range of housing options without added costs.

4. No Extra Cleaning Fees: Landlords sometimes tack on cleaning fees to cover the cost of potential pet damage. However, since an ESA is not considered just a pet but an essential part of your treatment, landlords cannot impose additional cleaning fees for damage that isn’t beyond normal wear and tear.

Potential Savings Over Time

Let’s take a look at the total potential savings if you have an ESA housing letter.

• Pet Deposit Waived: $300 (one-time)

• Monthly Pet Rent Waived: $600 per year ($50/month)

• Cleaning Fee Waived: $100 (on average)

In the first year alone, that’s $1,000 in savings. If you rent for multiple years, your savings will grow:

• Two-Year Lease: $1,600 in savings ($600 per year in waived pet rent plus $300 waived deposit).

• Three-Year Lease: $2,200 in savings or more.

These figures don’t even account for the additional savings that come with avoiding breed restrictions, which could open up lower-cost housing options.

The Convenience and Simplicity of PetCerts.com

PetCerts.com makes getting an ESA housing letter an easy and hassle-free process. Here’s why many people choose this service:

• Quick Process: You can complete the entire process online, from filling out a simple questionnaire to receiving your letter within days. No need for lengthy appointments or waiting weeks for approval.

• Licensed Mental Health Professionals: All letters are issued by licensed professionals, ensuring that your ESA letter is legally valid and recognized under federal law.

• Affordable Cost: While other online services can charge high fees for ESA letters, PetCerts.com offers a competitively priced option that pays for itself with the savings you’ll earn in pet fees.

Additional Benefits of Having an ESA Housing Letter

Aside from the financial benefits, there are other important advantages to having an ESA housing letter:

• Peace of Mind: With a legitimate ESA housing letter, you won’t have to worry about whether your landlord will approve your animal. The letter ensures your rights are protected.

• Improved Mental Health: Emotional support animals play a vital role in helping people cope with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. Knowing that your animal can live with you without the risk of additional fees can relieve stress and improve your overall well-being.

Significant Savings for You and Your ESA

If you’re a pet owner dealing with steep rental fees, an ESA housing letter from PetCerts.com could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. By eliminating pet deposits, waiving monthly pet rent, and protecting against breed restrictions, an ESA letter ensures you can live comfortably with your animal without the added financial burden.

For many, the decision to invest in an ESA housing letter is a smart move—not only financially but for peace of mind. With PetCerts.com’s easy process and affordable pricing, you can start saving today while enjoying the companionship and support of your beloved pet.