Renting with an ESA in San Bernardino
San Bernardino's rental stock is mostly older single-family homes and modest apartment complexes, with rents that draw people priced out of Los Angeles and Orange County. Many houses are owned by investors and handled by property management firms that attach standard pet addenda to every lease. Students at Cal State San Bernardino often share houses toward the north end of the city. As anywhere in California, a 30-day client-provider relationship comes before an ESA letter, so start the process before you sign.
Neighborhoods we often hear from
- Verdemont
- Del Rosa
- Arrowhead Farms
- Downtown San Bernardino
California ESA laws for San Bernardino renters
California is strict about who can write an emotional support dog letter and when. AB 468, now Health and Safety Code 122318, requires a 30-day client relationship and a clinical evaluation before the letter is issued, so we give you a same-day letter of intent and the final letter once 30 days have passed. State fair housing law, enforced by the Civil Rights Department, still protects ESAs in rentals.
- The clinician must hold an active license where you are located and list its number, type, jurisdiction and effective date on the letter.
- You must also be told, verbally or in writing, that falsely claiming a dog is a guide, signal or service dog is a misdemeanor under Penal Code 365.7.
- The Civil Rights Department says landlords cannot charge pet rent or deposits for an ESA, or apply breed, size or weight limits to it.
Source: California Board of Psychology: AB 468 emotional support dog rules
Your San Bernardino ESA letter, step by step
Book a time
Pick a phone or video slot online and answer a short questionnaire about how you are feeling and the animal you live with in San Bernardino.
Talk with a licensed clinician
A licensed clinician spends about 5–10 minutes with you and decides whether an emotional support animal is part of your care.
Receive a letter of intent
California law calls for a 30-day client–provider relationship before an ESA letter. If you qualify, you get a same-day letter of intent, and the clinician follows up before the final letter.
Final letter after 30 days
Once the 30 days have passed and the clinician completes the follow-up, your signed ESA letter is issued for your landlord.
San Bernardino ESA letter cost
| Letter | Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ESA letter | Up to 2 animals | $129 |
| ESA letter | 3 or more animals | $199 |
Booking is free and you're charged only if your letter is approved. In California, AB 468 calls for a 30-day client–provider relationship before an ESA letter is issued, so you receive a same-day letter of intent and the final letter after 30 days.