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B 26-0544

Pets in Housing Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Robert White

Expands DC tenants' right to keep pets, regulates pet policies and fees, and strengthens accommodations for service and emotional-support animals.

Re-Referred to Committee on Health, and Committee on Housing
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Bill Summary · B 26-0544

Summary: Pets in Housing Amendment Act of 2025 (B 26-0544)

Overview

B 26-0544, titled the Pets in Housing Amendment Act of 2025, is a District of Columbia bill introduced on December 12, 2025. The bill aims to address rules and protections related to keeping pets in housing units. As of the latest status, the bill has a Public Hearing scheduled and has undergone initial committee referrals.

Purpose and intent

  • To clarify and potentially expand rights and protections for residents seeking to keep pets in housing.
  • To regulate housing policies related to pet ownership, including how landlords, property managers, and housing providers may implement pet-related terms.
  • To balance the interests of tenants with building standards, safety, and property interests.

Note: The exact statutory language and specific policy changes are not included in the provided material. The summary below highlights the general scope suggested by the bill’s title and the public process described.

Key provisions and changes (illustrative, based on the bill’s title)

Because the text of the bill’s provisions isn’t provided, the following outline reflects common elements typically addressed in “pets in housing” amendments. These items may be addressed in the actual bill or during the public hearing:
- Tenant rights to keep pets: possibilities for reasonable accommodations, especially for guests with service or emotional-support animals.
- Pet deposits and fees: potential limits on nonrefundable pet deposits, pet-related charges, and handling of pet-related costs.
- Landlord restrictions: rules governing breed, size, or number of pets; requirements that policies be reasonable and non-discriminatory.
- Compliance and enforcement: mechanisms for addressing violations, including timelines, remedies, and potential penalties for noncompliance.
- Property and safety considerations: standards for pet waste management, nuisance rules, and liability arrangements.
- Exceptions and accommodations: explicit protections for individuals with disabilities and for housing accommodations under relevant disability or housing laws.
- PET-related policy integration: how pet policies interact with existing leases, building codes, and condo/co-op or rental housing rules.

Important: The exact provisions should be verified in the bill’s published text or official summaries once available.

Affected parties

  • Tenants and prospective tenants seeking to keep pets in housing units within DC.
  • Landlords, property managers, and housing providers who administer pet policies and fees.
  • Housing advocacy groups and residents with service or emotional-support animals.
  • Public housing or multi-family housing stakeholders as applicable under DC housing statutes.

Procedural timeline and status

  • Introduction: December 12, 2025 by Councilmember R. White.
  • Referred to committees: December 16, 2025 (Committee on Business and Economic Development, and Committee on Housing).
  • Notices:
    • December 17, 2025 — Notice of Public Hearing filed with the Office of Secretary (Housing) and published in the DC Register.
    • December 19, 2025 — Notice of Public Hearing published in the DC Register.
  • Public hearing: Public Hearing on B26-0544 scheduled for January 13, 2026.
  • Current status: Public Hearing stage; bill remains under consideration.

Next steps for readers

  • Attend or monitor the Public Hearing on January 13, 2026 to learn the final proposed provisions and any amendments.
  • Review the official bill text and fiscal impact statements once released by the Office of the Secretary or the relevant committees.
  • Track committee votes and any changes before potential floor action in the Council.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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