ESA Letters in BC: Getting an Emotional Support Animal Letter
An ESA letter from a licensed healthcare provider can help with housing accommodations in BC. Learn about your rights and how to get a valid letter.
## ESA Letters in British Columbia
An ESA letter states that you have a mental health condition that benefits from animal companionship.
## ESA Rights in BC
Under the BC Human Rights Code, landlords must accommodate tenants with disabilities, including allowing ESAs in no-pets buildings. ESAs do not have the same public access rights as service animals.
## What Makes a Valid ESA Letter?
- Written by a licensed healthcare provider
- On professional letterhead
- States diagnosed mental health condition
- Explains ESA is part of treatment plan
- Includes provider's license number
- Dated within the past year
## Housing Accommodation Process
1. Provide the letter to your landlord
2. Request accommodation under BC Human Rights Code
3. Landlord must accommodate unless undue hardship
4. Cannot charge pet deposits for ESA
## Getting Your ESA Letter
MedLetter's CPSBC-registered physicians can assess your needs and provide ESA letters when clinically appropriate.