SACRAMENTO – A new plan would require all California homeowners to allow pets.
Assemblyman Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) introduced a new bill – AB 2216, as it is formally known – which is in its early stages.
In a statement, Haney explained the reasoning behind the bill, saying there are more tenants than landlords who accept pets. Haney’s team’s research analyzed Zillow listings and found that only 18% of apartment listings in Sacramento allow cats and dogs.
According to Haney’s team, 829,000 tenants have pets in their units without their landlord’s knowledge. This, they say, is cause for concern about the damage that cannot be mitigated if they knew and there was “reasonable restriction for animals”.
“Along with millions of pet owners in California, the Humane Society of the United States I strongly believe that pets are an integral part of our families. Housing is a fundamental right that should not be limited because tenants are forced to choose between keeping their pets or putting a roof over their heads,” said Jenny Berg, California State Director of the Humane Society of United States.
Opponents of the plan say that employers and property owners should be able to determine whether animals are allowed at their discretion.
The bill prohibits landlords from asking for pets on rental applications and aims to eliminate extra monthly fees known as “pet rent.”
“We understand the need for housing for animals, but I believe that a more balanced approach is necessary. It is essential to find an environment that safeguards the investments of housing providers and ensures that other tenants can enjoy a safe and quiet environment,” said Debra Carlton. the Executive Vice President of the State Government.
The project is in its early stages.
