Service Animal Law Center

Newport Beach, California

Service Animals and Housing in California

Are you having trouble with a landlord because you use a service animal or an emotional support animal ("ESA") at your residence? This is a surprisingly common problem in California. Read on to learn more about what you can do.

The basics: both California law (Fair Employment and Housing Act, or "FEHA") and Federal law (the Fair Housing Act, or "FHA") provide strong protections for renters utilizing service animals and emotional support animals. Not all landlords and management companies follow these laws.

  • For instance, California law expressly prohibits landlords from charging pet deposits, pet rent, and other fees for service animals and emotional support animals. Landlords must also modify their no-pet policies to allow working animals in no-pet housing.

  • Support animals under California law do not need to be specifically trained or certified. These types of animals have strong protection in the housing context.

    • Photo of Service Animal and Wheelchair at Home

    Why this matters: A landlord that tries to evict a tenant, or charge any pet-related fees, is breaking California anti-discrimination laws. Tenants can fight back against these law-breaking property owners. This is what we do.

  • We file lawsuits against landlords that discriminate against disabled people and their service animals. We ask courts to hold landlord responsible for refusing to provide lawful accommodations for service animals and emotional support animals.

  • It is important to understand that landlords cannot evict a tenant in California just because the tenant uses a service animal or emotional support animal. This is highly illegal and the courts frequently punish property owners who break the law.

    • What to do next: if your landlord is harassing you or trying to evict you because you use a service animal or emotional support animal, call us immediately.

    Call us today at 949-996-3094

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    Let us help you fight for your rights. Don't delay. If you are facing discrimination, that likely means that others are as well.

    Guides

    Read more detailed information about your rights as a disabled person under the ADA and California law.