Legis Daily

Pets Belong with Families Act

USA119th CongressS-4361| Senate 
| Updated: 4/21/2026
Adam B. Schiff

Adam B. Schiff

Democratic Senator

California

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation, known as the "Pets Belong with Families Act," aims to standardize and clarify pet ownership rules for residents of public housing. It explicitly prohibits public housing agencies from imposing restrictions on pets based on their breed, size, or weight , thereby expanding the types of animals allowed in these residences. The bill permits public housing agencies to require a pet deposit, but it establishes strict limits: the deposit cannot exceed 10 percent of the tenant's monthly base rent and must be amortized over at least three months. Furthermore, any unused portion of the pet deposit must be reimbursed to the tenant within 30 days of vacating the unit, and agencies are prohibited from withholding these deposits for damage unrelated to the pet or for ordinary wear and tear. Agencies may still impose reasonable requirements such as limiting the number of animals per unit, prohibiting species illegal under state or local law, or banning individual animals declared a threat by a court.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 20, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-8378
Introduced in House
Apr 21, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Apr 21, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  • April 20, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-8378
    Introduced in House


  • April 21, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 21, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Housing and Community Development

Related Bills

  • HR 119-8378: Pets Belong with Families Act

Pets Belong with Families Act

USA119th CongressS-4361| Senate 
| Updated: 4/21/2026
This legislation, known as the "Pets Belong with Families Act," aims to standardize and clarify pet ownership rules for residents of public housing. It explicitly prohibits public housing agencies from imposing restrictions on pets based on their breed, size, or weight , thereby expanding the types of animals allowed in these residences. The bill permits public housing agencies to require a pet deposit, but it establishes strict limits: the deposit cannot exceed 10 percent of the tenant's monthly base rent and must be amortized over at least three months. Furthermore, any unused portion of the pet deposit must be reimbursed to the tenant within 30 days of vacating the unit, and agencies are prohibited from withholding these deposits for damage unrelated to the pet or for ordinary wear and tear. Agencies may still impose reasonable requirements such as limiting the number of animals per unit, prohibiting species illegal under state or local law, or banning individual animals declared a threat by a court.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 20, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-8378
Introduced in House
Apr 21, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Apr 21, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  • April 20, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-8378
    Introduced in House


  • April 21, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 21, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Adam B. Schiff

Adam B. Schiff

Democratic Senator

California

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Housing and Community Development

Related Bills

  • HR 119-8378: Pets Belong with Families Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted