ESA-Friendly Housing in California

Find apartments and rental properties in California that welcome emotional support animals. Know your rights under California law and the federal Fair Housing Act.

ESA Housing Rights in California

California provides some of the strongest ESA housing protections in the nation. In addition to federal FHA protections, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits housing discrimination against ESA owners. Under AB 468, healthcare providers must have a 30-day established relationship with a patient before issuing an ESA letter, ensuring documentation legitimacy.

Landlord Rules in California

Cannot charge pet deposits or pet rent for documented ESAs under FEHA and federal FHA
Must make reasonable accommodations even in no-pet housing
Cannot impose breed, size, or weight restrictions on ESAs
ESA documentation must come from a provider with a minimum 30-day patient relationship per AB 468
Cannot retaliate against tenants who request ESA accommodations under the Unruh Civil Rights Act
Must respond to accommodation requests within a reasonable timeframe

Key Statutes

Cal. Civ. Code § 54 | Cal. Civ. Code § 54.1 | Cal. Civ. Code § 54.2

California Civil Rights Department (CRD)

ESA-Friendly Properties in California — Coming Soon

We are building a directory of ESA-friendly properties in California. In the meantime, remember that under the Fair Housing Act, most landlords are legally required to accommodate your ESA.

Know an ESA-Friendly Property in California?

Help other ESA owners find welcoming housing. Submit a property and we will add it to the directory after review.

ESA Resources for California

ESA Registration in California ESA Letter in California Housing Accommodation Toolkit