California Bill Aims to Require Landlords to Accept Pets

Legislation to Ensure Pet-Friendly Housing in California

Democratic Assemblymember Matt Haney has introduced a bill in California that would require landlords to accept pets as tenants. The bill, known as AB 2216, is currently a spot bill with specific details set to be determined at a later date. The legislation aims to tackle the problem of a lack of pet-friendly rental properties, which makes it difficult for pet owners to find suitable housing.

Under the proposed bill, landlords would be forbidden from inquiring about pets on applications and from imposing additional monthly fees or pet deposits. The legislation is being sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States.

Haney argues that the current system creates a two-tiered housing market that penalizes pet owners and makes it more challenging for them to find suitable accommodation. He believes that it is unjust to discriminate against tenants based on pet ownership and that such discrimination should not be allowed by law.

Concerns from Property Owners

While the bill aims to address the issue of pet-friendly housing, some property owners have expressed concerns about potential risks and limitations on their discretion. Krista Gulbransen, executive director of the Berkeley Property Owners Association, worries that pets may cause damage to property. She also argues that removing the pet deposit safeguard puts property owners in a vulnerable position. Property owners are concerned about potential added regulations and further constraints on their rights to manage their properties.

However, the bill does offer exceptions for landlords who have a reasonable rationale for not accepting pets in their properties, as long as they provide written documentation to a judge or rent board if a landlord's decision is contested by a tenant. This would allow landlords to exclude pets on grounds such as health and nuisance concerns.

Benefits for Pet Owners and Animal Shelters

The proposed bill could significantly benefit pet owners who often struggle to find affordable and pet-friendly housing options. Merika Goolsby, an Oakland renter and tenant advocate, faced difficulties finding property owners who would accept her three small dogs. Goolsby, who sits on the Oakland Rent Board and the state board of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, believes that the bill would make it easier for pet owners like her to find accommodation without facing excessive fees.

Jenny Berg, California director for the Humane Society of the United States, supports the bill and highlights that additional fees and outright bans on pets contribute to the overcrowding crisis at animal shelters. Many people are forced to relinquish their pets because they cannot find housing that allows them. The legislation aims to address this problem by creating more pet-friendly housing options.