Pet Rent and Bans for California Rental Properties Could Disappear Under New Law
A new California bill would require landlords to allow pets in rental units and provide a reasonable excuse not to.
Support for a Pet-Friendly Bill
Melissa Messmer and her 4-year-old dog, Snowflake, are inseparable. Messmer supports a new California bill, AB 2216, that would prohibit hefty pet fees and blanket pet bans in rental units. The bill aims to make it easier for pet owners to find housing and to address the housing crisis in California. Messmer believes that people already struggle to afford housing and it is unfair to burden them with expensive pet fees.
San Francisco Assemblyman Matt Haney, the sponsor of the bill, states that 70% of California renters have pets, but only 30% of available rentals accept them. The bill would require landlords to show a reasonable excuse for not allowing pets in a rental property, instead of issuing blanket pet bans. This would provide more opportunities for renters with pets to find suitable housing.
Changes in the Rental Process
If the bill is enacted, landlords would no longer be able to ask about pet ownership until after a tenant's application has been approved. This prevents discrimination against potential tenants based on their pet ownership status. The bill also aims to prevent landlords from increasing security deposits to cover potential pet-related damages. The California Apartment Association has expressed concerns about the impact on rental housing providers and suggests allowing higher security deposits if owners choose to accept pets voluntarily.
Assemblyman Haney assures that landlords would still have the right to require pet insurance, which can provide protection for the property against damages caused by pets.
Balancing the Interests of Landlords and Tenants
The California Apartment Association raises concerns about the bill's potential limitations on landlords' ability to cover pet-related damages. Debra Carlton, the association's executive vice president of state government affairs, believes that a more balanced approach is needed. She suggests finding a middle ground that both safeguards the investments of housing providers and ensures a safe and peaceful living environment for all tenants.
Assemblyman Haney acknowledges the concerns raised by the association and believes that allowing higher security deposits as an option for owners who willingly accept pets could be a more reasonable compromise. Both sides recognize the importance of providing pet-friendly housing options while also addressing the financial and logistical aspects of accommodating pets in rental properties.
