California's AB 468, effective January 1, 2022, was a direct response to the proliferation of fraudulent ESA letters from online "registries" with no legitimate therapeutic relationship. The law has implications for both ESA owners seeking housing accommodations and the landlords who receive their documentation.
What AB 468 Requires
Before a mental health professional provides ESA documentation, they must:
- Hold a valid, active California license
- Have established a client relationship for at least 30 days before providing the ESA documentation
- Complete an in-person or telehealth clinical evaluation
- Not advertise ESA letters as a product or guarantee letters without assessment
What It Means for California Renters
- Letters from instant online services with no real therapeutic relationship are legally weaker in California
- Your documentation should come from a licensed California LMHP who actually knows you
- Telehealth is acceptable if the relationship was established at least 30 days before the letter
What AB 468 Does NOT Change
California landlords still cannot:
- Charge pet fees, deposits, or pet rent for a properly documented ESA
- Deny housing to an ESA owner in a no-pets building
- Apply breed restrictions to ESAs
- Require ESA owners to pay for third-party screening
Practical Advice for California ESA Owners
- Work with a licensed California LMHP who has treated you for at least 30 days
- Ensure your letter includes the provider's license number and issue date
- Keep the provider's contact information for landlord verification requests