In California, your ESA housing rights rest first on state law. The Fair Employment and Housing Act bars housing discrimination against renters who rely on assistance animals, and AB 468 (Health & Safety Code § 122318) sets the requirements for a valid ESA letter, including a 30-day client-provider relationship. This state protection is enforced by the California Civil Rights Department and remains fully active. The federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3604) provides the same obligation, and that statute has not changed.
Landlords in Atwater who refuse a valid ESA letter or continue charging pet fees may be in violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act and federal law. Complaints can be filed with California Civil Rights Department.