SAN DIEGO — A new California bill could reshape laws for millions of renters by requiring landlords to accept pets, force them to stop charging monthly pet fees or pet safety deposits.
"Place are expensive as is and having to pay those fees is a little bit overboard I think in many cases, said Steve while walking his dog downtown.
The first in the nation legislation would ban blanket "no pet policies." Property owners would no longer be allowed to ask about pets on rental applications.
"Initially I think it sounds good but for certain circumstances," said Caitlyn, a homeowner in San Diego.
She rents out a room in her home. Due to damage concerns, she doesn't allow pets.
"Our tenants live with us so we have a furnished home with a furnished room so we always worry. We don't rent from people with pets because it's expensive to furnish"
Assembly member Matt Haney wrote the bill. CBS 8 asked him if pets could still be denied under certain circumstances.
"Pets can still be declined by a landlord if there's health reason, if there's a safety reason, allergy restrictions but you have to have a reason for it," he said.
He says 70 percent of California renters have pets yet only 1/3 of rentals are pet friendly. The bill looks to open more doors for more pet owners.
"We have a housing crisis in our state and it's much worse if you are a pet owner. Even as we build more housing, it's important to address this issue," Haney said.
There's also hope the legislation could help overcrowded shelters by allowing more people to keep their pets.
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