SACRAMENTO — A new plan would require all California homeowners to allow pets.
Rep. Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) has introduced AB 2216, a new bill that is officially in its early stages.
Haney said in a statement that there are more tenants than landlords who accept pets, explaining the reasoning behind the bill. In research by Haney's team, he analyzed Zillow listings and found that only 18% of Sacramento apartment listings allow dogs and cats.
According to Haney's team, 829,000 tenants keep pets in their units without their landlord's knowledge. This is a cause for concern, they say, because even if there were known “reasonable pet restrictions” the harm would not be mitigated.
“Along with millions of pet owners across California, the Humane Society of the United States strongly believes that household pets are an integral part of our families. Renters should have a choice in whether or not to keep a pet. “Housing is a fundamental right that should not be restricted because of pressure, or to put a roof over their heads,” said Jenny Berg, California state director for the Humane Society of the United States.
Opponents of the plan say landlords and property owners should be able to decide at their discretion whether to allow pets.
The bill would ban landlords from inquiring about pets on rental applications and eliminate an additional monthly fee known as “pet rent.”
“While we understand the need for pet-friendly housing, we believe a more balanced approach is needed. It is essential that we find a compromise that ensures that we can enjoy the environment,” said Debra Carleton. Vice President of the State Government.
This bill is in its early stages.
