California Pet Rental Bill: Banning No-Pets Policies to Ease Housing Struggles for Furry Companions

California pet owners struggling with finding rental properties that allow furry companions could soon have an easier time leasing new housing under proposed state legislation aimed at banning blanket no-pets policies and prohibiting landlords from charging additional fees for common household pets like cats and dogs.
Backers of the bill, which recently cleared a key committee, argue that the lack of pet-friendly units is pushing renters to either forego housing or relinquish beloved animals to overcrowded shelters, as well allowing more tenants with unapproved pets out from the shadows. Sacramento resident Andrea Amavisca and her partner spent a month searching for an apartment that would accept their two-year-old cattle dog mix before finally finding one after meeting with the landlord and putting down an extra $500 security deposit, which she said was due to restrictions on pets in rental properties.
However, landlords are pushing back against the proposal, expressing concerns over damage caused by dogs’ urine or feces stains in carpets or repairs needed for wood floors; potential dog bites and liability issues that could drive away other tenants; as well as higher security deposit requests, which last year saw lawmakers cap this figure to a limit of one month’s rent. Russell Lowery, executive director of the California Rental Housing Association, stated: “There are bad people and there are bad dogs – our job is screening that.”
Under Haney’s proposed bill, landlords would still be allowed to deny pets with reasonable justifications such as public health concerns; however, they could not inquire about a pet until after approving an applicant. Applicants must also notify the landlord three days before signing a lease if they have or plan on getting one – should the property owner refuse the animal, it would then be up to the tenant whether they continue with housing options elsewhere. The proposed bill would only apply for new leases from Jan 1 forward, pending legislative approval after assembly votes are tallied and subsequent consideration by senators.
Animal welfare groups have expressed support for Haney’s proposal as a means of addressing surging numbers of pets being relinquished since the end of Oakland’s eviction moratorium last year; an average of 240 dogs were handed over each month in 2021, which has risen to roughly 350 monthly figures presently. “We’re seeing a huge spike,” remarked Ann Dunn – Director for the Oakland Animal Services Center, noting that newly homeless renters and individuals who prefer being housed are now choosing between keeping their pets or finding new housing options altogether.