Illinois ESA laws
Illinois spells out the ESA paperwork process in the Assistance Animal Integrity Act (310 ILCS 120), in force since 2020. A landlord can ask for written documentation only when your disability or need isn't already apparent, and that letter must come from someone with a real therapeutic relationship with you. The act also bars pet deposits and pet fees for an approved assistance animal.
- The act's definition of a therapeutic relationship excludes websites that sell certificates without a meaningful assessment of the person.
- Landlords may offer a standard request form, but they cannot turn you down simply because you sent your own letter instead.
- No specific diagnosis is required, though a landlord may confirm that your documentation is authentic and ask for more if the first letter falls short.
- In Chicago, the Commission on Human Relations enforces the city's Fair Housing Ordinance alongside the state Department of Human Rights.
Your Illinois ESA letter, step by step
Book a time
Pick a phone or video slot online and answer a short questionnaire about how you are feeling and the animal you live with in Illinois.
Talk with a licensed clinician
A licensed clinician spends about 5–10 minutes with you and decides whether an emotional support animal is part of your care.
Get your signed letter
If the clinician approves, your letter is emailed to you as a PDF with their license details. If not, you are not charged.
Share it with your housing provider
Send the letter with a short reasonable accommodation request. Keep copies of everything you send and receive.
Illinois ESA letter cost
| Letter | Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ESA letter | Up to 2 animals | $129 |
| ESA letter | 3 or more animals | $199 |
Booking is free and you're charged only if your letter is approved.
What an ESA letter covers
Rentals and other housing
A letter supports a reasonable accommodation request, so a housing provider considers an exception to no-pet rules or pet fees for your animal.
Not flights or stores
Airlines treat emotional support animals as pets, and stores or restaurants do not have to admit them. Only trained service dogs have those rights.
Any common species
Dogs and cats are most common, but the letter is about your need for the animal, not its breed or training.
Reasonable limits apply
A provider can still refuse an animal that poses a direct threat or causes serious damage.
What to do if a landlord in Illinois denies your ESA
Ask the housing provider to put the refusal and its reason in writing. You can then contact the Illinois Department of Human Rights or file a complaint with HUD. Many renters settle the issue at this stage simply by asking for a written decision.
Have a dog trained to do specific tasks for a psychiatric condition? See the Illinois psychiatric service dog letter.