It seems like California gives ESAs more legal weight than national law https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2022/12/Emotional-Support-Animals-and-Fair-Housing-Law-FAQ_ENG.pdf
So I guess it's okay to try? I'm honestly terrified of doing anything what with my whole 'hanging on by a thread' deal lately. Do you keep it under your hat until you get a lease and then spring them on the landlord or do you bring it up while you're applying? I imagine it doesn't work so well when the 'apartment' is a bed+bath combo in some suburban house