Meet a Illinois-licensed mental health professional by phone or video. If you're approved, your signed ESA letter arrives in 10-15 minutes.
Chicago's rental stock ranges from vintage walk-ups to high-rise towers, and pet policies swing widely between them.
A valid letter from a Illinois-licensed mental health professional is what turns a no-pet lease into an approved accommodation — no pet rent, no pet deposit, and no breed or weight limit.
Many older three-flats are owner-occupied, one of the narrow categories where federal exemptions can apply. Renters across Chicago — including Lakeview, Logan Square, Hyde Park, Pilsen, Lincoln Park and the Loop — rely on the same federal protections, whatever the building looks like.
It starts with a free pre-screening, then a private telehealth visit with a Illinois-licensed professional. Approved letters arrive within 10-15 minutes, and there’s no charge unless you’re approved.
Your letter is issued under the Fair Housing Act, which covers where you live — apartments, condos, HOAs, and student housing. It doesn’t grant public access to stores or restaurants, and airlines have treated emotional support animals as pets since 2021. For the full picture, read our Illinois ESA law guide.
Explore the Illinois housing rights guide, check current pricing, review renewal timing, or see the psychiatric service dog option. You can also return to the Illinois overview.
Flat pricing · you only pay if approved.
It is. Chicago landlords look at whether a licensed Illinois professional actually evaluated you, not whether the appointment happened over video.
Generally no. A valid accommodation overrides a no-pet policy, and pet rent, deposits, and breed or weight limits don't apply. Narrow exemptions exist for small owner-occupied buildings.
Quickly — same-day slots are usually open, and approved letters reach you within 10-15 minutes of the evaluation.
It does. Your letter has to come from someone licensed in Illinois — that's the first thing a Chicago landlord verifies.
Yes. The Fair Housing Act reaches HOAs, condo boards, and co-ops, so community pet bans give way to a valid accommodation.
An ESA letter is $129 for up to two pets, or $199 for three or more. PSD letters are $149, or $229 for up to three pets — and you're only charged if approved.
Free pre-screening · Licensed in Illinois · You only pay if approved
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