How to Get an Official ESA Letter In New Hampshire

No. Under both federal FHA and New Hampshire law (RSA 354-A), pet rent, pet fees, and pet deposits must be waived for ESAs. However, you're still responsible for actual physical damage beyond normal wear and tear.

No. Breed and weight limits that apply to pets generally do not apply to ESAs. Decisions must be individualized to the specific animal, not based on stereotypes or blanket policies. New Hampshire guidance confirms housing providers may need to waive breed, weight, and species restrictions as part of a reasonable accommodation.

Yes, but only under specific circumstances:

• You don't meet disability requirements
• Your documentation doesn't establish both a disability and a disability-related need for the animal
• You refuse to provide valid documentation when legitimately requested
• Your documentation is fraudulent or from an unlicensed provider without knowledge of your condition
• The animal poses a direct threat that can't be mitigated
• The animal would cause substantial damage that cannot be reduced
• Your landlord qualifies for a small landlord exemption (owner-occupied, three or fewer units under state law; four or fewer units under federal law)

No. There is no official New Hampshire ESA registry, and federal law doesn't require registration. The New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights confirms that generic registrations and online certificates are not valid.

The only required documentation is a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional with knowledge of your disability and disability-related need for the animal.

No specific task training is required (that's what distinguishes ESAs from service animals). However, your ESA must:

• Be under your control
• Be housebroken
• Not be aggressive or pose a safety threat
• Not cause ongoing disturbances that fundamentally alter the housing environment
• Comply with reasonable rules applicable to all residents

Yes, if each animal is necessary for your disability-related needs. You'll need documentation from a licensed provider explaining the need for multiple animals. Landlords can consider whether multiple ESAs would create an undue burden, pose safety concerns, or cause significant property damage.

While New Hampshire does not explicitly require the provider to be licensed in New Hampshire, it's strongly recommended to work with a New Hampshire-licensed mental health professional or a provider licensed in the state where they practice to ensure the letter is accepted by landlords and complies with telehealth regulations. The provider must be knowledgeable about your condition and the animal's disability-related needs.

Consequences:

• RSA 167-D:8 makes it a misdemeanor to misrepresent an animal as a service animal
• RSA 167-D:10 provides enhanced penalties for certain violations, including interfering with, injuring, or allowing a dog to attack a service animal
• Landlords can deny or revoke housing accommodations
• Potential eviction if fraud is discovered after move-in
• Criminal penalties, including fines
• Liability for damages
• Loss of credibility for future accommodation requests

While an ESA letter from a provider licensed in another state may be accepted, it's recommended to work with a licensed mental health professional certified in New Hampshire to ensure full compliance and to avoid potential landlord challenges. The provider must have sufficient knowledge of your condition to document the animal's disability-related needs.

The New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (NHCHR) is the state agency that investigates and enforces violations of RSA 354-A (the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination). If you believe a landlord has discriminated against you based on your ESA, you can file a complaint with NHCHR within 180 days from the date of the alleged housing discrimination. NHCHR will investigate your complaint and work toward a resolution.