Know Your Rights: Housing Protections for ESA Owners in California
                     Housing Rights for 
ESA Owners in 
California
In California, individuals who own emotional 
support animals (ESAs) are protected under 
housing laws that provide certain rights and 
accommodations. These laws are intended to 
ensure that ESA owners are not unfairly 
discriminated against in housing situations 
due to their need for an emotional support 
animal. Here are some key points regarding 
housing rights for ESA owners in California.
Definition of 
Disability
To be eligible for ESA-related 
housing rights, the individual must 
have a disability as defined by the 
FHA. A disability is a physical or 
mental impairment that 
substantially limits one or more 
major life activities.
Reasonable 
Accommodation
ESA owners have the right to request a 
reasonable accommodation from their 
housing provider. This accommodation could 
involve waiving a "no-pets" policy, 
exempting the owner from pet-related fees 
or deposits, or allowing a larger pet size than 
normally permitted.
Housing Provider 
Responsibilities
 Once a request for a reasonable 
accommodation is made, the housing 
provider must engage in an interactive 
process with the ESA owner to determine if 
the accommodation is necessary and 
reasonable. The housing provider can 
request documentation supporting the need 
for an ESA, such as an ESA letter from a 
licensed mental health professional.
Breed and Size 
Restrictions
Housing providers cannot enforce breed or 
weight restrictions on ESAs. However, if the 
animal poses a direct threat to the health or 
safety of others or would cause substantial 
physical damage to the property, the 
housing provider may be exempted from 
accommodating the ESA.
Tenant 
Responsibilities
ESA owners are responsible for the care, 
supervision, and actions of their animals. They 
must ensure that the animal does not cause 
damage to the property or create a nuisance. If 
the ESA engages in destructive behavior or 
poses a threat, the housing provider may have 
grounds to take action.
Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Website: 
https://fastesaletter.com/emotional-
support-animal-letter-california/