Get an ESA Letter in California From a Licensed Therapist
A mental health professional licensed in California reviews your assessment and, if you qualify, issues a Fair Housing Act-compliant ESA letter. Full refund if you're not approved.
How to get your ESA letter in California
California law requires a 30-day client–provider relationship before an ESA letter can be issued. Your evaluation starts right away, you complete two consultations, and your letter is issued after day 30.
Complete the assessment
Tell us about your situation and your animal. It takes about five minutes.
Two consultations with a licensed clinician
California law requires a 30-day relationship with your California-licensed clinician, so you'll have two consultations and your letter is issued after day 30. Full refund if you're not approved.
Receive your letter after day 30
Your signed ESA letter arrives as a PDF the day the 30-day period ends.
Who qualifies for an ESA letter in California?
You may qualify if a mental or emotional health condition affects your daily life and an emotional support animal helps. Common qualifying conditions include:
- Anxiety disorders and panic disorder
- Depression and other mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- ADHD, OCD and autism spectrum conditions
- Other conditions a clinician diagnoses under the DSM-5
Only the licensed clinician who evaluates you decides. Any domesticated animal can be an ESA.
What California renters pay for an ESA letter
One-time prices. No subscriptions, no auto-renewals, and a full refund if you're not approved.
ESA housing letter $99 · PSD letter $139 · both for $199. Renewals are $79 and additional animals $25. See pricing.
California ESA laws and your housing rights
The Fair Housing Act applies in California
Housing providers in California must consider a reasonable accommodation for an assistance animal under 42 U.S.C. § 3604(f)(3)(B). You can ask for an exception to no-pet rules, pet fees and breed or weight limits as part of that request. Since May 2026, HUD presumes such a request is reasonable only when the animal is trained to do disability-related tasks, so state law and your landlord's own policy also matter.
California's AB 468 requirements
AB 468 (Health & Safety Code § 122318, effective January 1, 2022) bars a California health care practitioner from providing documentation for an emotional support dog unless the practitioner holds an active license, has established a client-provider relationship with the person for at least 30 days, has completed a clinical evaluation of the person's need for the dog, and has given the person verbal or written notice that fraudulently representing yourself as the owner or trainer of a service dog is a misdemeanor under Penal Code § 365.7. The documentation must also show the practitioner's license type, license number, jurisdiction and effective date, and the practitioner must be licensed in the jurisdiction where the documentation is provided.
What a California landlord may and may not ask
A landlord may ask for reliable documentation of your need and verify your clinician's license, but may not demand your diagnosis or medical records. A denial is allowed only case by case, for a direct threat, substantial damage or undue burden.
Where to file a housing complaint in California
If a housing provider refuses a reasonable accommodation, you can file with California Civil Rights Department (calcivilrights.ca.gov/) or with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at 1-800-669-9777. Complaints to HUD must generally be filed within one year.
Landlord verification in California
Every letter includes what a landlord needs to verify it:
- Clinician's name, license type and California license number
- Issue date and the clinician's direct contact line
- Statement of disability-related need, never your diagnosis
- Fair Housing Act reference on official letterhead
If a landlord questions your letter, our support team and your clinician handle the follow-up.
What to do if a letter is rejectedServing renters across California
Everything happens online, so it doesn't matter whether you rent in a large city or a small town, our clinicians serve every ZIP code in California, including:
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- San Jose
- San Francisco
- Sacramento
Your letter is issued by a clinician licensed in California, which is what California housing providers check first.
ESA letter questions from California renters
How do I get an ESA letter in California?
Complete our short assessment, and a mental health professional licensed in California reviews it. If the clinician confirms you have a disability-related need for an emotional support animal, your letter is issued on the clinician's letterhead. California law requires a 30-day client–provider relationship before an ESA letter can be issued. Your evaluation starts right away, you complete two consultations, and your letter is issued after day 30.
Are ESA letters legal in California?
Yes. The federal Fair Housing Act applies in California, so housing providers must consider a reasonable accommodation request supported by documentation from a licensed mental health professional. California also has state-level rules described above.
How much does an ESA letter cost in California?
An ESA housing letter is $99 one-time, a PSD letter is $139, and the ESA + PSD combo is $199. Renewals are $79. Full refund if you're not approved.
Does an ESA letter expire in California?
Federal law sets no expiration, but most California housing providers expect a letter dated within the last 12 months. We recommend renewing annually.
Your California ESA letter starts with a five-minute assessment
Licensed in California. State-law 30-day timeline handled for you. Full refund if not approved.