Hey friends. I’ve been struggling a lot lately. It was suggested to me by a healthcare professional to get an emotional support animal to help with my anxiety in public (large crowds, long car rides, etc). I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately and I’m leaning toward doing it. However, I have some questions about the legalities when it comes to having them in a rented apartment (in California) since obviously my ESA would have to live with me.

1) Are apartment landlords REQUIRED to allow an ESA live on the property?

2) Are they required to waive any pet rent fees that normally would have to be paid with just a normal pet?

3) Does a tenant need to provide documentation from a Doctor PRIOR or does the tenant only need to provide documentation when asked?

I want to go through with this but I want to make sure I’m following the laws. I can’t seem to find anything legitimate online. My Doctor didn’t seem to know all the “laws” either.

Thanks in advance!