NORTHSTATE, Calif. — A new state bill could expand housing opportunities for pet owners.
Assemblymember Matt Haney authored and introduced the bill, AB 2216. It would block California landlords from denying housing to renters who have pets without reasonable reasons.
Haney’s office says almost 70% of Californians who rent property are pet owners. In addition, they say just 30% of rental properties in any given California city are open to pets.
Haney told us these renters are facing less housing options as a result.
“You shouldn’t have to give up your cat or dog, and few people are willing to do that just to find housing,” Haney said. “And when you have no protections for pet owners as they look for housing, the result is many end up living in less-than-ideal situations, sometimes far from where they work or go to school. They ended up staying in maybe more crowded living conditions.”
He added, “This bill really strikes a balance and will continue to give landlords the ability to have restrictions that are reasonable.”
Haney told us his office is working with landlords to ensure they could maintain some pet deposit from renters, without blanket pet bans.
Under AB 2216, Haney said landlords could still have pet restrictions in certain cases, including ones based on health or safety conditions.
The bill passed out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee in April and is headed to the Appropriations Committee next.
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