Summary#
This bill changes rules for pets in public housing. It updates the list of "reasonable requirements" housing agencies may impose on tenants with pets. The bill allows a pet deposit but caps it at 10 percent of the tenant's monthly base rent and requires that deposit be paid over at least 3 months as part of rental payments. Any unused portion of the deposit must be returned within 30 days after a tenant moves out. Housing agencies may limit the number of animals in a unit based on unit size or other relevant conditions. Agencies may prohibit species that state or local law already bans, and they may bar any individual animal a court finds is a threat to public health or safety. Agencies may not withhold a pet deposit for damage that is unrelated to the pet, including ordinary wear and tear. The bill also says housing agencies cannot prohibit animals based on an animal's breed, size, or weight.
What it means for you#
- If you live in public housing, you could not be blocked from keeping a pet because of the pet's breed, size, or weight.
- You may be required to pay a pet deposit, but that deposit cannot be more than 10% of your monthly base rent and must be spread over at least 3 months.
- If you move out and some of the deposit was not used for pet-related damage, you must get that unused amount back within 30 days.
- Your housing office may limit how many pets you can have based on the size of your unit or other conditions.
- Pets that are illegal under state or local law, or that a court has declared a threat, can still be prohibited.
Expenses#
- The bill sets a tenant-facing cost limit: a pet deposit up to 10% of monthly base rent, amortized over not less than 3 months and refundable if unused within 30 days of vacating.
- No publicly available information on broader costs to housing agencies or federal budget effects in the bill text provided.
Proponents' View#
No publicly available information.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.