DC Law Decreases Rent Burden for People with Pets

Every day, Washington, DC, residents grapple with a shortage of affordable housing, with nearly half considered “rent burdened”—meaning rent swallows more than 30 percent of their gross income. The additional costs associated with pet ownership can put affordable housing in the District out of reach, leaving many pet-owning renters facing the possibility of having to surrender their companion animals if they want (or need) to remain in the city.

A new law, however, aims to make DC housing more accessible to families with pets. The Pets in Housing Amendment Act—introduced by Councilmember Robert White and developed in partnership with the nonprofit Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)—went into effect in October after the DC Council unanimously passed it the previous December. The law limits the amount (as a percentage of the monthly rent) that landlords can charge as additional deposits and rent for pets and eliminates both restrictions and higher fees associated with a companion animal’s breed or weight.

The law also requires the DC government to ensure that at least one homeless shelter in the city is available to unhoused people and their pets. With help from AWI, HRA is also working to provide resources for pet owners who are among the more than 5,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in the District. Together, these changes offer hope that fewer DC pet owners experiencing housing insecurity or unsheltered homelessness will have to choose between a roof over their heads and their beloved companion animals.

See more AWI Quarterly articles about: Companion Animals, Responsible Acquisition and Care

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