Renting with Pets Could Get Easier in California with New Bill

Pet Owners Rejoice

Image Credit: Pexels / Anastasia Shuraeva

A new piece of state legislation proposed in California could be a hopeful sign for pet owners who have trouble renting due to their furry friends.

Author of the Bill

Image Credit: Shutterstock / create jobs 51

Matt Haney, chair of the California Renters’ Caucus and member of the San Francisco Assembly, has introduced the new bill on behalf of California pet owners who are struggling to find accommodation due to rampant no-pet policies.

Potential New Rules for Landlords

Image Credit: Shutterstock / goodluz

If passed into law the bill, titled AB 221, would only allow landlords to impose no-pet policies or charge extra fees for pets if they have good reasons to justify them. They would not be allowed to ask tenants if they have pets until after a rental application has already been approved.

Next Step to Law

Image Credit: Shutterstock / chaylek

AB 221 has already been passed by the State Assembly Judiciary Committee and is on its way to the Assembly floor.

Contributing to the Housing Crisis?

Image Credit: Shutterstock / UfaBizPhoto

Haney and the many advocates who support the bill believe that restrictive anti-pet rental rules are directly contributing to the ongoing housing crisis in California.

12 Million People

Image Credit: Shutterstock / wellphoto

“12 million people across the state are being denied access to that housing because they have a companion pet,” Haney told reporters.

Most Renters Denied by Most Rentals

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

“The majority of renters in our state, pet owners, are denied access to the majority of rental units,” he continued. “That makes no sense at all and it’s dramatically exacerbating the housing crisis.”

A Rock and a Hard Place

Image Credit: Pexels / David Iglesias

These strict rules around renting have placed many California pet owners in an unbearable position – being forced to choose between going without stable housing or surrendering their pets to animal shelters in order to procure a home.

Shelter Surveys

Image Credit: Pexels / Mia X

In his press release discussing the bill, Haney also cited a recent survey of 240 animal shelters in California. Of the 67,881 pets surrendered to these shelters, the leading reason for surrender was the lack of pet-friendly housing accessibility.

Animal Rights Advocates Speak Out

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sharomka

Animal rights advocates in California, who support Haney’s proposed legislation, have also spoken out about the treatment of pets in the state rental market.

“It’s Tougher for People With Pets”

Image Credit: Pexels / Tony Jimenez

“Many states, such as California, are increasingly becoming unaffordable to live in for most of the population,” said Kitty Block the CEO of the United States Humane Society. “It’s still tougher for people with pets; pet-inclusive, affordable housing is almost impossible to find.”

California Shelters Overwhelmed

Image Credit: Pexels / Mia X

It’s an issue for California animal shelters too, many of which are overwhelmed by surrendered pets and unable to feed and accommodate the staggering amount of animals they take in.

Choosing Between a Home and a Pet

Image Credit: Pexels / MART PRODUCTION

“We’re seeing a huge spike in people who are saying they are newly homeless,” said Ann Dunn, the director of Oakland Animal Services. “Or they’re choosing between being housed or being able to keep their pets.”

More Surrendered Pets

Image Credit: Pexels / Mia X

According to Oakland, her shelter has seen the number of surrendered pets rise from 240 a month on average in 2022 to 350 in 2024.

A Human Right

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sergey Nivens

Jenny Berg, the director of the Humane Society’s California chapter, described housing as a human right that “should not be limited because tenants are forced to choose between keeping their pet or putting a roof over their head.”

California Problems

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Krakenimages.com

No-pet policy restrictions have become a problem for renters around the country, but they seem to have caused particular issues in the Golden State.

More People Affected

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Varavin88

California is the state with the second-highest amount of renters, meaning many more people are affected by these policies compared to most other states. 17 million households and individuals are renters, and 70% are pet owners according to KSWB-TV San Diego.

Very Few Pet-Friendly Rentals

Image Credit: Pexels / Meruyert Gonullu

These numbers were then compared to the amount of rentals that are pet-friendly. In San Diego, for example, only 21% of rentals are pet-friendly. In Los Angeles, it’s just 26%.

Landlords Are Concerned

Image Credit: Shutterstock / goodluz

Of course, some California landlords have expressed trepidation over the potential law, pointing to higher maintenance costs for properties with animals on-site, liability issues, and disruptions to neighboring tenants.

“Humans Have Pets”

Image Credit: Pexels / Diego Rezende

But Haney and his supporters have posited that the bill would help tenants to be more honest about their pets and pet-related damage, as they would not feel pressure to hide them.“Like it or not humans have pets,” Haney added. “They always have and they always will.”

Biden’s New 401(k) Rule: Employers Frustrated as Retirement Planning Responsibilities Shift

Image Credit: Shutterstock / lev radin

The latest Biden administration rule on 401(k) plans is reshaping how employers manage retirement plans. It’s a complex scenario requiring a fresh understanding of fiduciary duties and provider relationships. This rule aims to protect employees but also imposes new responsibilities on employers. Biden’s New 401(k) Rule: Employers Frustrated as Retirement Planning Responsibilities Shift

Elon Musk: New Immigration Bill ‘Enables Illegals to Vote’

Image Credit: Shutterstock / photosince

Elon Musk is calling for prosecutions after the text for a new senate bill on immigration was released. Musk accused the new bill of “enabling illegals to vote.” Elon Musk: New Immigration Bill ‘Enables Illegals to Vote’

Colorado Officials Reject Sanctuary City Status, Warn Against ‘Dangerous Game’

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ruben2533

With increasing numbers of migrants arriving in Colorado, public officials have rejected any notion of the state becoming a sanctuary for migrants and asylum seekers. Colorado Officials Reject Sanctuary City Status, Warn Against ‘Dangerous Game’

Disney Challenges DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” Rule With a Hefty Lawsuit

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrew Cline

Disney is set to appeal its refusal for a lawsuit against Ron DeSantis, who stripped the company of its rights for disagreeing with the Governor’s views on the teaching of sexual orientation in classrooms. Disney Challenges DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” Rule With a Hefty Lawsuit

Trump on the Attack as 21 Million Americans Flock to Obamacare, Biden Pushes Forward

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nicole Glass Photography

An unprecedented surge in health plan enrollments has reignited former President Donald Trump’s commitment to dismantling the program should he secure the GOP nomination once again. Trump on the Attack as 21 Million Americans Flock to Obamacare, Biden Pushes Forward

The post – Renting with Pets Could Get Easier in California with New Bill first appeared on From Frugal to Free.

Featured Image Credit: Pexels / cottonbro studio.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.

 

(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)