Renting with an ESA in Billings
Billings spreads across the Yellowstone River valley, with older homes on the South Side and near downtown, newer subdivisions on the West End and a mix of duplexes and apartments in the Heights. Energy and healthcare jobs bring in workers who rent for a year or two, and MSU Billings adds students. Montana has its own state law on emotional support animal documentation, so a fast online form is unlikely to hold up. Expect a landlord to read your letter carefully.
Neighborhoods we often hear from
- The Heights
- West End
- Downtown
- South Side
- North Park
- Rehberg Ranch
Montana ESA laws for Billings renters
Montana is one of the states with its own ESA documentation law. Since 2023, MCA 70-24-114 has spelled out what a landlord may request: supporting information from a mental health professional licensed in Montana who has known you for at least 30 days and has completed a clinical evaluation. A parallel section, MCA 70-33-110, applies the same rules to mobile home lot rentals.
- The provider must be a Montana-licensed mental health professional with a client relationship of at least 30 days before writing the letter.
- The letter has to list the provider's license type, license number and its effective date, and describe the support the specific animal gives.
- Landlords cannot demand your diagnosis, its severity or your medical records, and an online ID card or certificate alone does not prove need.
Source: MCA 70-24-114 (emotional support animals, documentation)
Your Billings 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 Billings.
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.
Follow Montana's documentation rules
Montana law adds requirements before a letter counts, such as a minimum treatment relationship, an in-person visit or a clinician licensed in the state. The clinician explains what applies to you and when the letter can be issued.
Your signed letter arrives
Once the state's requirements are met and the clinician approves, the letter is emailed as a PDF with their license details. You pay only if it is approved.
Billings 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.