Iowa law lists what a clinician's written finding for an assistance animal must contain, down to the license number and an expiration date. For someone living with bipolar disorder, that means a letter grounded in a real clinical relationship: take the free screening, and a clinician licensed in Iowa decides whether one is supported.
Iowa Code 216.8C(1) lists what goes on it:
An emotional support animal is not a treatment for bipolar disorder, and no letter replaces care from your own prescriber or therapist. The question an evaluation answers is narrower: does the animal ease a symptom or effect of a disability in a way a clinician can describe in writing? Iowa then asks that description to be specific about the relationship and the dates.
A clinician licensed in Iowa reviews your history.
Telehealth when clinically suitable.
The answer can be no, and then nothing is billed.
Your diagnosis stays between you and the clinician.
Tick what your letter already states, then add its date and your lease dates. The check lists anything Iowa Code 216.8C expects that is missing and works out how long the finding lasts.
Clear pricing for emotional support animal and psychiatric service dog letters written by a licensed mental health professional. Your screening is free, and you pay only if a clinician supports a letter and you decide to continue.
Best option for most renters with one emotional support animal
For people who have more than one emotional support animal in the home
For people who may qualify for a task-trained psychiatric service dog
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ESA letter and certificate in one package
Complete PSD documentation: letter, certificate and ID card
Two ballots from the same caucus: what the law marks yes, and what it marks no.
Iowa Code 216.8C(1)(d) asks the clinician to certify whether the provider-patient relationship has existed for at least thirty days, in person or through telehealth. The statute words it as a statement the finding must make, and the landlord reads that statement. A new relationship has to be described as new.
Telehealth sessions count toward the relationship the same way office visits do.
Yes or no, alongside whether the clinician knew you and the disability before writing.
Section 216.8B leaves the decision to an evaluation of the request, with a written answer.
Three jars on the pantry shelf, each sealed with one Iowa rule.
Iowa says a registration of any kind, bought online or in person, does not reliably establish a disability or a need for the animal.
Asking to keep two animals lets the landlord request information for each one, so a finding should speak to every animal named.
The tenant remains liable for damage the animal causes to the unit, the landlord's property or other people, along with lease remedies.
Three roadblocks a request can meet, and the way around each one.
Section 216.8B requires a written determination, so ask for one in writing and keep the date you asked.
Undue hardship, a fundamental change to operations, or a direct threat or serious damage that a reasonable accommodation cannot fix.
Complaints within 300 days of the last incident, at 1-800-457-4416 or 6200 Park Avenue, Suite 100, Des Moines.
Free and confidential, day and night: call 855-581-8111, text 855-895-8398 or chat at yourlifeiowa.org.
Call or text in a mental health crisis anywhere in Iowa.
A mood episode needs your prescriber or therapist first; an ESA letter is a housing document, not crisis care.
Six questions, one under each turbine of an Iowa wind farm.
The written finding must say whether you have a disability and a disability-related need for the animal, what assistance the animal provides, whether the relationship has lasted 30 days in person or by telehealth, whether the clinician knew you and the disability first, the issue and expiration dates, the license number and type, and whether a separate fee was paid for the finding alone.
Under Iowa Code 216.8C(2), the finding must be made within twelve months of the start of a rental agreement and is valid for twelve months or the term of the rental agreement, whichever is greater.
No. Iowa Code 216.8B says a landlord shall not request information that discloses a diagnosis, its severity or medical records, although you may choose to share them.
No. Iowa law says a registration of any kind, including an identification card, patch or certificate, is not enough to establish a disability or a disability-related need for an assistance animal.
Iowa Code 216.8C accepts a finding from an Iowa physician, physician assistant, nurse, psychologist, social worker or mental health counselor, or from a licensee of another state who is in good standing under a similar law.
The Iowa Office of Civil Rights takes housing discrimination complaints within 300 days of the last incident; call 1-800-457-4416 and ask for housing intake.
Five barns along one pasture, each opening onto another Iowa page.
General information for Iowa renters, current as of October 2026, and not legal advice. It summarizes Iowa Code 216.8B and 216.8C as published for 2026; the Iowa Office of Civil Rights and the courts apply them, and the rules can change. Screening does not guarantee a letter. In a crisis, call or text 988.
A clinician licensed in Iowa can tell you whether a letter fits your situation and, if it does, write it the way Iowa law lays out.
