Meet a South Carolina-licensed mental health professional by phone or video. If you're approved, your signed ESA letter arrives in 10-15 minutes.
The College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina drive rental demand on the peninsula. About 44.4% of occupied housing units are renter-occupied (ACS 2020-2024, Census QuickFacts).
For Charleston renters, the key document is a letter from a mental health professional licensed in South Carolina. It supports a reasonable accommodation request so a no-pet policy, pet rent or a pet deposit can be waived.
With roughly 159,000 residents, Charleston in Charleston County is South Carolina’s largest city. Renters across Downtown, West Ashley, James Island, Daniel Island and Johns Island rely on the same fair housing protections, whatever the building or landlord.
South Carolina's Fair Housing Law includes an assistance-animal provision (S.C. Housing discrimination complaints can be filed with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission (SCHAC) or with HUD. For the details, read our South Carolina ESA law guide.
Complete a free pre-screening and meet a mental health professional licensed in South Carolina by phone or video. If approved, your signed letter arrives within 10-15 minutes. You aren’t charged unless you’re approved.
Your letter is for housing — 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.
Explore the South Carolina housing rights guide, check current pricing, review renewal timing, or see the psychiatric service dog option. You can also return to the South Carolina overview.
Flat pricing · you only pay if approved.
Yes. What matters is a real evaluation by a professional licensed in South Carolina, not whether the appointment happened in person or by video.
Usually not. A landlord has to consider a reasonable accommodation request backed by a valid letter and can deny it only on limited grounds, such as a direct threat or undue burden. Small owner-occupied buildings may be exempt.
Quickly — same-day slots are usually open, and approved letters reach you within 10-15 minutes of the evaluation.
It does. The professional must hold an active South Carolina license, which is who you’re matched with when you select Charleston.
Yes. The Fair Housing Act reaches HOAs, condo boards and co-ops, so community pet rules are subject to the same reasonable accommodation process.
$129 covers an ESA letter for up to two pets ($199 for three or more); PSD letters run $149 or $229. You aren’t charged unless a licensed professional approves you.
Local ESA guides for other cities in South Carolina.
Free pre-screening · Licensed in South Carolina · You only pay if approved
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