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Panel backs bill to require landlords to disclose pet policies before applications
Summary
SB 1296 would require landlords to disclose pet policies on rental listings and applications so renters do not incur application fees before learning whether pets are allowed; animal-welfare groups supported the measure while rental associations raised practical concerns for small owners and signage requirements.
Senator Rosso presented SB 1296 to require landlords to disclose established pet policies on rental applications, property websites and advertisements so pet-owning renters know up-front if a unit accepts pets or has restrictions. Advocates argued the change reduces wasted applications and housing-related pet relinquishment.
Ross Barker of the Michaelson Center said surveys show widespread negative consequences for renters when pet-policy information is not provided early. “This is a common sense transparency measure,” Barker said, adding that upfront disclosure reduces wasted application costs and improves housing matching.
Juliana Tetlow of the San Diego Humane Society said unclear pet policies lead to preventable shelter intakes and that earlier disclosure would free shelter resources for other community needs. Opponents representing rental housing associations raised implementation concerns for small landlords about advertising and vaccination details.
Committee members asked whether deposits or monthly pet fees would change; witnesses said the bill does not alter existing deposit policies and focused the remedy on requiring disclosure (refund of application fee is the primary enforcement mechanism under the bill). The committee voted to advance SB1296 to the floor while the author agreed to continue working with stakeholders on practical details.
