ESA Housing Letters in California: What They Must Include
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide crucial assistance to many Californians living with mental or emotional disabilities. If you need your ESA to live with you in housing that otherwise restricts pets, having a valid ESA housing letter from a licensed professional is essential. But what exactly must that letter include to be legally valid in California?
This guide breaks down the key components your ESA housing letter must have to ensure your landlord recognizes your rights and grants the necessary accommodation.
✅ Need a legal ESA letter from a California-licensed therapist? Start your online evaluation with CertifyESA today.
Why ESA Letters Matter Under California Law
Under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, including allowing ESAs despite “no-pets” policies. However, landlords can require documentation in the form of an ESA letter.
A properly written ESA housing letter validates your need for the animal and protects you from discrimination or extra fees.
Who Can Write a Legally Valid ESA Letter?
Only a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) authorized to practice in California can issue an ESA letter that meets legal standards. This includes:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs)
- Licensed Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)
- Medical Doctors (MD or DO)
Important: Avoid unlicensed services or online “registries” that offer letters without proper evaluation—they are not legally recognized.
Essential Elements Your ESA Letter Must Include
To be compliant with California housing laws, your ESA letter should contain the following:
- Provider’s full name and license details (license number, type, and state of issuance)
- Date of issuance (recent, generally within the past 12 months)
- Statement confirming you have a qualifying mental or emotional disability
- Explanation that your ESA is necessary to alleviate symptoms related to your condition
- Provider’s contact information and signature
- Written on official letterhead of the licensed professional or clinic
Including these elements helps your landlord verify your need without breaching your privacy.
What Landlords Cannot Request or Do
While landlords may ask for an ESA letter, they are restricted by law and cannot:
- Request your full medical records or exact diagnosis
- Charge pet fees, deposits, or rent for your ESA
- Deny your ESA solely due to breed, size, or weight (unless there is a legitimate health or safety concern)
🏠 Get a compliant ESA letter from licensed California professionals at CertifyESA.
How Long Is an ESA Letter Valid?
Although no federal expiration rule exists, most landlords in California require an ESA letter that is no older than 12 months. Renewing your letter annually ensures it stays current and valid.
📅 Need to renew? CertifyESA offers easy online ESA letter renewals.
Summary
For your ESA housing accommodation request to be successful in California, your ESA letter must be legally compliant and issued by a licensed California mental health professional. Make sure your letter includes all required elements, protects your privacy, and clearly states your need for the ESA.
With the right documentation, you can confidently assert your housing rights and live peacefully with your Emotional Support Animal.
