Quick answer
To get an ESA letter in Minnesota, you need an evaluation by a licensed mental health professional who can practice in Minnesota. Minnesota accepts documentation from a licensed professional, excludes people who mainly certify animals, bans extra fees and says a support animal needs no task training. Most evaluations finish within a few days.
Key points
- Minnesota has a state law on ESA documentation: Minn. Stat. § 504B.113 (1Sp2021 c. 8 art. 2 s. 10.
- Your clinician must be licensed to practice in Minnesota.
- Minnesota law covers untrained support animals independently of HUD.
- Pet ESA Service: $89 one time, 100% back if not approved.
Minnesota ESA rules at a glance
This summary reflects Minnesota law and federal guidance as of October 8, 2026. Rules change, so check the linked sources before relying on them for a dispute.
| Topic | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| State ESA documentation law | Yes. Minn. Stat. § 504B.113 (1Sp2021 c. 8 art. 2 s. 10; 2024 c. 118 s. 6) |
| Clinician licensing | Licensed to practice in Minnesota, where you will be during the evaluation |
| Relationship or waiting period | No state waiting period found |
| Untrained support animals under state law | Covered by state law independently of HUD (see below) |
| Pet fees for assistance animals | Minnesota bars extra fees, charges and deposits for service and support animals (Minn. Stat. § 504B.113). |
| Fair housing agency | Minnesota Department of Human Rights |
| Pet ESA Service price | $89 one pet, $109 two pets, $79 renewal, $99 PSD |
What Minnesota law requires for an ESA letter
Unless the disability or need is readily apparent or known, a landlord may require documentation for each service or support animal from a licensed professional (a Minnesota licensed physician, PA, nurse, psychologist, mental health professional, social worker or counselor, or the same professions licensed in another state if they have an existing treatment relationship with the tenant) confirming the disability and its relationship to the need; people who operate primarily to certify animals do not qualify, and landlords may not require medical records. No extra fee, charge or deposit may be imposed (leases with pet fees must disclose this), and a tenant who knowingly misrepresents a disability or provides fraudulent documentation may have the application or request denied.
Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.113 (1Sp2021 c. 8 art. 2 s. 10; 2024 c. 118 s. 6). Read the source.
How HUD's 2026 change affects Minnesota renters
On May 22, 2026, HUD's fair housing office announced it will find reasonable cause in animal accommodation complaints only when the animal is individually trained to perform disability related tasks, and it withdrew its older ESA guidance. The Fair Housing Act itself, HUD's regulation at 24 CFR 100.204 and your right to bring a private lawsuit within two years did not change.
Minnesota renters have an extra layer of protection: § 504B.113 defines a support animal as one that provides emotional support and 'does not need to be trained to perform a specific disability related task.'
If your dog is trained to perform tasks, a psychiatric service dog evaluation may suit you better, because trained animals keep HUD's presumption of reasonableness.
How to get an ESA letter in Minnesota
Start with the free assessment. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Choose your evaluation, pay once through Stripe, and a licensed mental health professional who can practice in Minnesota reviews your answers and talks with you by phone or video when Minnesota rules or their judgment call for it.
Most clients hear from their clinician within one business day. When an ESA is clinically appropriate, the signed letter usually arrives by email within 24 to 72 hours of the evaluation.
Your letter lists the clinician's license number, type, issuing state and effective date, so a landlord can check it on the state licensing board website. If your completed assessment is not approved, you receive a 100% refund.
ESA letter cost in Minnesota
Pet ESA Service charges the same one time price in Minnesota as everywhere else: $89 for one pet, $109 for two, $129 for three and $149 for four. Renewal evaluations are $79 and psychiatric service dog evaluations are $99. There is no subscription, no rush fee and no charge for landlord verification. See the pricing page for what each evaluation includes.
Be cautious of "free ESA letter" offers and instant certificates sold to Minnesota residents. A registry listing or ID card is not clinical documentation, and several states say landlords may reject them.
Pet fees and deposits for ESAs in Minnesota
Minnesota bars extra fees, charges and deposits for service and support animals (Minn. Stat. § 504B.113). You remain responsible for any damage your animal causes.
Where to get help in Minnesota
If a housing provider denies a reasonable request, you can contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights about filing a complaint under state law, consult a local fair housing organization, or speak with an attorney about a private Fair Housing Act claim, which generally must be filed within two years.
Keep copies of your request, your letter and every reply. Our guides on talking to your landlord and what landlords can ask walk through each step.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an ESA letter online in Minnesota?
Yes. A licensed mental health professional who can practice in Minnesota can evaluate you by telehealth. The letter is issued only if the clinician finds an ESA clinically appropriate.
How long does an ESA letter take in Minnesota?
Most clients hear from their clinician within one business day, and documentation, when appropriate, usually follows within 24 to 72 hours of the evaluation.
Can a Minnesota landlord charge pet rent for an ESA?
Minnesota bars extra fees, charges and deposits for service and support animals (Minn. Stat. § 504B.113). Tenants are still responsible for damage.
Is there an ESA registry in Minnesota?
No. Neither Minnesota nor the federal government runs an ESA registry. Registration and certificate products do not establish a disability related need; a letter from a licensed clinician who evaluated you does.
Do ESA letters expire in Minnesota?
Minnesota sets no fixed expiration, but many landlords ask for a letter dated within the past year. A $79 renewal evaluation keeps your documentation current.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed October 8, 2026 by the Pet ESA Service editorial team. General information, not legal advice.
Get evaluated in Minnesota
A clinician who can practice in Minnesota reviews your assessment. $89 one time, 100% back if you are not approved.