In a potentially precedent-setting move, San Francisco Democratic Assemblymember Matt Haney has introduced Assembly Bill 2216 (AB 2216), believed to be the first-of-its-kind legislation in the nation. The bill, currently a spot bill, aims to mandate California landlords to accept pets, addressing the issue of a surplus of tenants with pets struggling to find accommodating housing.
The legislation, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, is designed to eliminate barriers faced by pet owners in the rental market. AB 2216 intends to prohibit landlords from inquiring about pets in rental applications, eliminate additional monthly fees for pet owners (commonly known as “pet rent”), and impose limits on pet deposits.
Haney’s analysis, based on Zillow apartment listings, revealed that only 20% of San Francisco apartments allowed cats and dogs of all sizes, reflecting a larger issue of scarcity in pet-friendly rental options. National survey data indicates that two-thirds of households own pets, with 72% of renters struggling to find pet-friendly housing.
While the proposed legislation aims to create a more inclusive rental market, property owners have expressed concerns. Krista Gulbransen, Executive Director of the Berkeley Property Owners Association, voiced worries about potential property damage by pets and the removal of pet deposit safeguards, putting property owners at increased risk.
Exceptions would be considered for landlords with valid reasons for excluding pets, such as health and nuisance-related concerns, provided they can provide documented justification in the event of tenant disputes. The legislation aims to strike a balance between tenant rights and property owner concerns.
Merika Goolsby, an Oakland renter and tenant advocate, highlighted her challenges in finding pet-friendly housing and the financial burden imposed by additional pet-related fees. Goolsby expressed support for Haney’s initiative, emphasizing the need to address the limited availability of affordable and accommodating housing for pet owners.
Details of the legislation are still being fine-tuned, but Haney suggested that landlords may be allowed to require pet liability insurance and impose limits on the number of pets accepted. The proposed law aims to eradicate blanket prohibitions on pets and encourage a fair evaluation process for tenants, ensuring that pet owners have equal access to housing.
Jenny Berg, California director for the Humane Society of the United States, emphasized the connection between added fees and pet bans and the overcrowding crisis in animal shelters. The legislation aligns with efforts to create a more compassionate and accommodating environment for pet owners in California.
Despite property owner concerns, Haney’s proposed legislation reflects a broader push in California to open up rental options for pet owners. This initiative builds on previous legislation that mandated pet ownership in certain affordable housing developments and seeks to strike a balance between landlord discretion and tenant rights. As Haney stated, “This is simply about access to housing,” and he expressed a willingness to collaborate with stakeholders to refine the bill.
