If you are renting in California, your Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter must comply with both federal and California housing laws.
This California-specific ESA letter template reflects housing accommodation language aligned with:
- Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA)
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
It is structured for landlord and property manager review within California.
Why California Requires Specific Wording
In California:
- Housing protections apply under both FHA and FEHA
- Landlords may verify provider licensure
- A legitimate provider-client relationship is required
- ESA documentation must be issued by a licensed healthcare professional
This template reflects these state-level considerations while maintaining federal compliance.
California State-Specific ESA Letter Template
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL (ESA) VERIFICATION LETTER
(California Housing Accommodation – FHA & FEHA Compliant Format)
Date: [Insert Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am a licensed healthcare professional authorized to practice in the State of California and currently providing care to [Client Full Name]. Following a clinical evaluation and establishment of a professional provider-client relationship, I have determined that the client has a mental or emotional health condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Consistent with the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), I find that the presence of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is necessary for the client’s mental health and daily functioning. The ESA provides therapeutic benefit and alleviates symptoms associated with the client’s condition.
Accordingly, I recommend that [Client Name] be permitted to keep an Emotional Support Animal in their residence as a reasonable accommodation under applicable federal and California housing laws. An ESA is not considered a pet under these housing protections, and pet-related fees or breed restrictions do not apply.
If verification of my California licensure is required, I am available to confirm my credentials in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
Sincerely,
[Provider Full Name], [Degree/Credentials]
Licensed [Profession] – State of California
California License Number: [License Number]
Practice Address: [Address]
Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Professional Email]
Download the California ESA Letter Template
Get the California-formatted version ready for housing submission:
- Download California ESA Letter Template – Editable Google Docs Version
- Download Print-Ready California ESA Letter Template A4 PDF
(Formatted for California housing compliance considerations.)
Important California Compliance Notes
- ESA letters must follow a legitimate clinical evaluation process.
- Online ESA registrations or ID cards alone do not establish housing rights.
- Landlords may verify licensure but cannot request diagnosis details.
- California law reinforces reasonable accommodation rights for qualified individuals.
You may also need:
Landlord-Specific ESA Letter
Formatted specifically for submission to property managers and housing providers. Optimized for FHA housing accommodation requests.
→ View Landlord-Specific Template
Doctor-Signed ESA Letter Template
Version structured for licensed mental health professionals issuing formal clinical documentation.
→ View Doctor-Signed Version
California follows the federal Fair Housing Act while also applying the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which reinforces tenant protections at the state level.
Only in limited situations — such as if the animal poses a direct safety threat or the property qualifies for a specific legal exemption.
No. Under FHA and FEHA housing protections, an Emotional Support Animal is not considered a pet.