This bill establishes restrictions on landlords regarding charges related to pets in residential rental units. Specifically, it prohibits landlords from imposing any additional rent, fees, or charges—whether refundable or nonrefundable—on tenants who keep or intend to keep pets in their dwelling units. The bill also allows landlords to charge a one-time, refundable pet security deposit of up to $500, which must be included within the total security deposit limit set by existing law. Furthermore, it defines key terms such as "landlord," "tenant," and "pet" to clarify the scope of the legislation.
In addition to these prohibitions, the bill provides tenants with the right to petition a court to terminate any lease or agreement that violates these provisions and allows them to recover reasonable attorneys' fees or expenses. If a landlord violates the bill, tenants can pursue a private cause of action, potentially recovering $1,000 for each offense, along with attorneys' fees. The remedies outlined in the bill are intended to complement existing legal protections for tenants. The bill is set to take effect four months after its enactment and will apply to new tenancies and applications made after that date.