Bill · S. 4361· Senate(119-S-4361)
Pets Belong with Families Act
- Introduced
- 4/21/2026
- Last activity
- 4/21/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Adam Schiff
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Pets Belong with Families Act aims to modify the reasonable requirements placed on pet owners living in public housing. The bill seeks to change how pet deposits are handled and what rules housing agencies can implement. Specifically, it targets the ability of agencies to prohibit animals based on their breed, size, or weight. It also establishes specific rules for pet deposits, including limits on the amount and how it is paid. Finally, it clarifies what can and cannot be withheld from those deposits.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill directly benefits low-income tenants in public housing by limiting pet deposit amounts and protecting them from unfair withholdings.
Does this make housing cost less?+4
The bill reduces financial barriers for public housing tenants by capping pet deposits at 10 percent of monthly rent and allowing amortization.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+3
The bill provides more flexibility for pet ownership within public housing structures common in urban environments.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Pet Deposit Protections: Under Section 2, the bill limits pet deposits so they cannot exceed 10 percent of a tenant's monthly base rent. This ensures pet owners are not burdened by excessive upfront costs.
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Financial Flexibility: Section 2 allows for the pet deposit to be amortized over at least 3 months as part of rental payments, which may help tenants manage their monthly budget.
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Refund Guarantees: Section 2 requires that any unused portion of a pet deposit be reimbursed to the tenant within 30 days of them vacating the unit.
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Protection Against Unfair Charges: Section 2 states that a public housing agency may not withhold a pet deposit for damages that are unrelated to the pet, such as ordinary wear and tear.
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Elimination of Breed and Size Restrictions: Section 2 explicitly states that reasonable requirements shall not include prohibitions based on the breed, size, or weight of an animal. This allows for more diversity in the types of pets families can keep.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Species and Safety Prohibitions: Section 2 still allows for the prohibition of certain species of animals if they are prohibited by State or local law.
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Public Health and Safety Exceptions: Under Section 2, housing agencies may still prohibit specific animals if they are declared a threat to public health and safety by a court of competent jurisdiction or if ownership is prohibited by State or local law.
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Limits on Animal Numbers: Section 2 maintains that housing agencies can still place limitations on the total number of animals allowed in a dwelling unit or building based on unit size or other relevant conditions.
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+5Good For Urban Residents+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+4Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 4/21/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- Introduced in Senate
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.