Emotional support animals (ESAs) are protected under the Fair Housing Act, which gives qualified individuals the right to live with their support animal even in housing with pet restrictions. While this protection is federal, access to ESA letters is not equal across the United States.

Internal data from RealESALetter.com, based on over 210,000 evaluations completed in 2025, shows the national ESA approval rate sits at 82%. However, that average hides major differences from state to state.

In some states, more than 90% of applicants are approved. In others, approval rates fall below 65%. These gaps are not caused by differences in mental health needs, but by state laws that add extra requirements to the ESA process.

“Your condition doesn’t change because of your location,” says a licensed clinician at RealESALetter.com. “But your ability to receive housing protection often does.”

This uneven access has serious consequences. The 2026 industry report State of ESA Ownership 2026: The First Comprehensive Report on Who’s Getting ESA Letters and Why found that applicants in high-barrier states are 2.4 times more likely to face housing instability while waiting for approval.

High Approval States: Faster Access Without Cutting Corners

States with the highest ESA approval rates closely follow FHA rules and avoid adding unnecessary steps like waiting periods or repeated therapy sessions. This allows qualified individuals to receive timely help while maintaining clinical integrity.

Texas (92% approval rate)

Texas leads the nation in ESA approvals. Most qualified applicants receive their ESA letter within 24 hours, and the state does not require a long-term relationship with a mental health provider.

At the same time, Texas discourages fraud through laws like HB 4164, which penalizes misrepresentation without blocking legitimate applicants. Understanding Texas ESA laws helps tenants avoid issues with landlords.

Arizona (91% approval rate)

Arizona offers one of the most straightforward ESA processes in the country. Landlords cannot deny an ESA based on breed, size, or species, and there is no requirement for ongoing therapy before a letter can be issued.

The state recognizes that a single, thorough evaluation can be enough when done correctly. This approach results in high approval rates and a very low dropout rate. More details can be found in the Arizona ESA laws guide.

Florida (90% approval rate)

Florida strengthened its rules to stop fake ESA certificates through Florida Statute 760.27. While this law targets fraudulent claims, it does not delay valid evaluations.

Data from RealESALetter.com shows Florida has one of the lowest denial rates related to animal type, largely because the state limits breed discrimination. Full guidance is available under Florida ESA laws.

Other states with strong approval rates include Colorado (89%), Michigan (89%), and New Mexico (88%), all of which avoid long waiting periods or mandatory therapy timelines.

Low Approval States: Extra Rules, Slower Access

Some states add stricter rules intended to prevent abuse, but these laws often delay or block access for people with real needs. California, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, and Arkansas all require a minimum 30-day relationship with a licensed provider before an ESA letter can be issued.

California (65% approval rate)

California’s Assembly Bill 468 requires at least two sessions and a 30-day waiting period. Providers must also give written disclosures explaining that ESAs do not have public access rights.

According to RealESALetter.com clinicians, more than 20% of California applicants drop out before finishing the required steps because they need immediate housing protection. Final approval often takes over a month. Full details are outlined in California ESA laws.

Iowa and Montana (63% and 66% approval rates)

Both states enforce the 30-day rule, but rural access makes the process even harder. Limited provider availability and poor broadband access cause many applicants to abandon the process.

To support applicants, RealESALetter.com offers structured assistance through its Iowa ESA letter service and flexible scheduling via the Montana ESA letter option.

Georgia and Louisiana (68% and 67% approval rates)

Georgia and Louisiana require proof of ongoing therapeutic engagement. Many applicants struggle to meet documentation standards, especially outside major cities.

Residents can review requirements under Georgia ESA laws and Louisiana ESA laws to better prepare.

The 30-Day Rule: Help or Harm?

The main reason for approval gaps is the required therapeutic relationship in certain states. But data shows this rule does not improve outcomes.

Denial rates are 27% higher in states with the 30-day ruleDropout rates are over three times higherNo difference exists in long-term ESA effectiveness

Clinical guidance supports thorough evaluations, not time-based rules. A single in-depth session can assess mental health needs when done properly.

These delays hit vulnerable groups the hardest:

College students needing immediate housingVeterans seeking stable living conditionsLow-income renters facing evictionHow to Improve Your Chances Based on Your StateHigh approval states (TX, AZ, FL, CO, MI, NM):You can usually receive an ESA Letter within 24–48 hoursNo waiting periods or repeat sessionsProvide honest and detailed informationRegulated states (CA, IA, MT, LA, GA):Start at least 35 days earlyComplete all required sessionsUse services experienced with multi-session rulesAll applicants should remember:Many landlords require annual updates; use the ESA letter renewal.There is no official ESA registryLandlords cannot charge pet fees under the FHABeyond Approval: Renewals, Travel, and

Enforcement

Renewals are now expected

Most landlords require ESA letters issued within the last 12 months. Renewal rates exceed 85% in states like New York and California.

Air travel rules have changed

Airlines no longer treat ESAs as service animals. Travelers may need a psychiatric service dog letter. Policies like the WestJet ESA policy now classify ESAs as pets.

Housing discrimination still happens

Even with valid letters, illegal denials continue in states with weak enforcement. Having a compliant letter and knowing your rights is essential.

Moving Toward Fair Access

The mix of state laws creates unequal access to a federally protected right. While fraud prevention matters, it should not delay help for people in need.

RealESALetter.com supports fair access by:

Using state-licensed cliniciansFollowing all state and FHA rulesIssuing clear, compliant ESA lettersProviding guidance in all 50 states

Access to a legitimate ESA letter is a housing right,” says a RealESALetter.com therapist. “Our role is to protect that right responsibly. RealESALetter.com connects you with licensed professionals in your state. Our process meets FHA standards and state laws, and we offer a full refund if you are not approved. Start your evaluation today and protect your housing rights with confidence.