Get an AB 468 Compliant California ESA Letter Online

Yes, you can get an ESA letter in California entirely online from a licensed California therapist. Under AB 468, two consultations are required, so evaluation begins the same day and your letter is issued 30 days after your first call.

No. Under the federal Fair Housing Act and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, a valid ESA letter eliminates pet deposits, pet rent, and breed restrictions. State enforcement through the California Civil Rights Department remains fully active.

Any mental health condition that significantly affects daily life qualifies for an ESA letter in California, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, and social anxiety.

A California ESA letter is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Most California landlords require documentation issued within the past year.

Yes. California Health & Safety Code § 122318 (AB 468) requires a licensed mental health professional to establish a 30-day client-provider relationship before issuing an ESA letter. Evaluation begins same day you sign up. Two consultations are required. Your letter issues 30 days after your first call.

A California landlord can refuse a specific ESA only in limited cases: if the animal poses a direct threat to others' safety, would cause substantial damage that cannot be reduced, or if the request would create an undue financial or administrative burden. Some housing may also be exempt (for example, certain small owner-occupied buildings). A no-pet policy, breed or size alone is not a lawful reason. Since May 22, 2026, HUD only pursues federal complaints for animals individually trained to perform tasks, so California fair housing law is now the main route if a landlord refuses an untrained ESA. Read more about when a landlord can deny an ESA and California ESA laws.

If your California landlord rejects your ESA letter, file a complaint directly with the California Civil Rights Department. State enforcement remains fully active. You can also file with HUD at hud.gov or call 1-800-669-9777. Contact us directly and we will liaise with your landlord on your behalf. If unresolved, you get a full refund.

No. ESA letters cover housing only under the Fair Housing Act. California ESAs do not have public access rights and airlines are no longer required to accommodate ESAs in the cabin. If you need public access and air travel rights, a PSD letter covers both with a task-trained dog. See PSD Letter California→

Yes, many do. A California landlord can confirm that the letter came from a licensed professional by checking the clinician's license number and contacting the provider listed on the letter. They cannot ask for your diagnosis, medical records or details of your condition. Every RealESALetter.com letter includes the clinician's license number, issue date and contact details so it can be checked quickly. Learn more about how landlords verify ESA letters.

An ESA letter can be declined if the clinician does not find a mental health condition that significantly limits daily life, or if an animal would not help with your symptoms. A landlord may also question a letter that is missing the clinician's license number, signature or issue date, or that comes from an online registry instead of a licensed professional. Read more about why ESA letters get rejected.