Bill · H.R. 8378· House(119-HR-8378)
Pets Belong with Families Act
- Introduced
- 4/20/2026
- Last activity
- 4/20/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Lawler
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 7
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Pets Belong with Families Act," aims to change the rules for pet owners living in public housing. It seeks to modify what public housing agencies can require from tenants who own pets. Specifically, it addresses pet deposits, animal limits, and restrictions on certain species. The bill also aims to prohibit certain types of restrictions used by housing agencies.
Yes
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill helps low-income residents in public housing by limiting pet deposit costs and ensuring prompt refunds.
Does this make housing cost less?+5
The bill increases the affordability of housing for pet owners by capping and amortizing pet deposits.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Pet Deposit Protections: The bill limits pet deposits to no more than 10 percent of a tenant's monthly base rent and requires the cost to be spread out over at least 3 months (Section 2, subsection (b)(1)(A)).
-
Refund Requirements: Tenants are entitled to have any unused portion of their pet deposit reimbursed within 30 days of moving out (Section 2, subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii)).
-
Protection Against Unfair Withholding: Public housing agencies are prohibited from using a pet deposit to pay for damages that are not related to the pet, such as ordinary wear and tear (Section 2, subsection (b)(2)).
-
Elimination of Breed and Size Restrictions: The bill prevents housing agencies from prohibiting animals based on their breed, size, or weight (Section 2, subsection (b)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on Animal Numbers: Housing agencies can still limit the total number of animals allowed in a dwelling unit or building based on the size of the unit or other conditions (Section 2, subsection (b)(1)(B)).
-
Species and Safety Prohibitions: Agencies may still prohibit certain species of animals if they are against State or local laws, or prohibit individual animals deemed a threat to public health and safety by a court (Section 2, subsection (b)(1)(C) and (D)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+5
- 9/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/17/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/20/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Jason CrowDemocrat · Colorado
Sharice DavidsDemocrat · Kansas
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Nicole MalliotakisRepublican · New York
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Dina TitusDemocrat · Nevada
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan
Lauren UnderwoodDemocrat · Illinois