Maine ESA laws
The Maine Human Rights Act never uses the phrase emotional support animal, but it plainly covers one. Its definition of an assistance animal, in 5 M.R.S. 4553, includes any animal a licensed professional has found necessary for a person with a physical or mental disability, and 5 M.R.S. 4582-A bars housing providers from refusing one. Landlords also cannot make you pay a fee or deposit for it.
- The professionals who can document the need include physicians, psychologists, physician associates, nurse practitioners, licensed social workers and licensed professional counselors.
- A landlord can refuse only by showing the specific animal is a direct threat, would cause substantial damage or would substantially interfere with other residents' enjoyment.
- Creating or handing over a false document claiming an animal is an assistance animal is a civil violation with a fine of up to $1,000 each time (17 M.R.S. 1314-A).
- You stay responsible for any damage your animal causes to the unit or shared facilities.
Source: 5 M.R.S. § 4582-A
Your Maine 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 Maine.
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.
Maine 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 Maine denies your ESA
Ask the housing provider to put the refusal and its reason in writing. You can then contact the Maine Human Rights Commission 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 Maine psychiatric service dog letter.