How to Respond to the NJ PSD Housing Letter (With Tips)

How to Respond to the NJ PSD Housing Letter (With Tips)

If you’re a New Jersey resident who recently received a housing letter questioning your Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) status, you’re not alone. Landlords, housing managers, and co-ops in NJ are increasingly requesting documentation to verify a tenant’s need for a PSD under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). It can feel intimidating—but the good news is, there are clear steps you can take to respond properly, protect your rights, and stay compliant.

What Is the NJ PSD Housing Letter?

In New Jersey, housing providers are allowed to request documentation when a tenant requests a reasonable accommodation for a psychiatric service animal. These letters usually ask for proof that:

• You have a mental or emotional health condition.

• You need the animal to help alleviate symptoms of that condition.

• The animal is trained to perform a specific task related to your condition (in the case of PSDs).

If you're not prepared, this can catch you off guard—but don’t panic.

First, Know Your Rights

Under the Fair Housing Act, you're allowed to live with your PSD—even in housing with no-pet policies—so long as your request is reasonable and properly supported. Unlike emotional support animals (ESAs), Psychiatric Service Dogs are individually trained to perform tasks that assist with mental health conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, panic disorders, or depression.

Housing providers can ask for documentation that confirms your need, but they cannot ask about your diagnosis, medical history, or require your dog to be professionally trained.

How to Respond Effectively

Here are some steps to guide your response:

1. Gather Your Documentation

You’ll need a legitimate letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) that clearly explains that:

• You have a mental or emotional disability recognized by the DSM-5.

• You need a psychiatric service dog that performs specific tasks to help manage your condition.

This letter should be dated, on official letterhead, and signed by the LMHP. At PetCerts.com, we help individuals get legally compliant letters from licensed providers in their state, including New Jersey.

2. Include Task-Specific Information (If Applicable)

If the letter doesn’t already state what tasks your PSD performs (like grounding during anxiety attacks, interrupting self-harming behavior, or guiding during dissociative episodes), you may want to include a brief addendum.

This isn’t always required by law, but some housing authorities request it—especially in NJ. It’s best to be transparent and clear, without oversharing private medical details.

3. Keep It Professional and Calm

Always respond in writing and attach your documentation. A short message might look like this:

“Dear [Housing Provider],
I am submitting documentation from a licensed professional regarding my need for a psychiatric service dog as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. Please let me know if any further information is required.”

Don’t argue or overshare—just provide what’s needed and keep a record of all communication.

Additional Tips

• Don’t delay: Most housing providers give a deadline for documentation. Respond promptly to avoid unnecessary complications.

• Avoid online scams: Make sure your letter comes from a real licensed professional who is authorized to practice in your state. At PetCerts.com, we only work with licensed, U.S.-based providers to ensure compliance and legitimacy.

• Know the difference: Emotional Support Animals and Psychiatric Service Dogs are not the same. If your dog performs specific trained tasks to support your mental health condition, it qualifies as a PSD under federal law.

Receiving a PSD housing letter in New Jersey can feel overwhelming, but knowing how to respond makes a huge difference. Make sure your documentation is solid, your communication is respectful, and your rights are protected. At PetCerts.com, we’re here to help people navigate these challenges with confidence—backed by reliable, legally recognized support.