Renting with an ESA in Philadelphia
Rowhomes are the backbone of Philadelphia rentals, from trinity houses in Queen Village to converted twins in West Philly split into two or three apartments. Many landlords own only a few properties and rely on boilerplate leases with blanket pet bans. Center City high-rises and university-area buildings are more likely to have formal accommodation procedures. The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations enforces the city's Fair Practices Ordinance, which covers housing, so renters can file locally as well as with state or federal agencies.
Neighborhoods we often hear from
- Fishtown
- South Philadelphia
- Fairmount
- West Philadelphia
- Manayunk
- Queen Village
Local help: Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations
Pennsylvania ESA laws for Philadelphia renters
Pennsylvania treats an emotional support animal as a housing accommodation under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and the federal Fair Housing Act. Act 118 of 2018 added state penalties for lying about the need for an assistance animal in housing. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces these rights and publishes guidance on assistance, emotional support and service animals.
- Under Act 118, knowingly misrepresenting a disability or a disability-related need for an assistance animal in housing is a third-degree misdemeanor.
- Creating or handing over a document that falsely presents an animal as an assistance or service animal is a summary offense, with a fine of up to $1,000.
- The Commission opened public comment on updated animal guidance on October 1, 2026, running through November 15, 2026, so its verification guidance may change.
Source: PHRC: Assistance, Emotional Support, and Service Animal Guidance
Your Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia.
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.
Philadelphia 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.