Pets are more than just animals. They are companions, friends, and family members for many people. They provide emotional support, health benefits, and happiness to their owners. Yet, many renters in Florida face the challenge of finding a pet-friendly housing option, or risk losing their furry loved ones.
A new bill introduced by state Rep. Sam Killebrew, R-Winter Haven, aims to change that. House Bill 721 would prohibit landlords from discriminating against tenants based on their pet ownership, as long as the pets are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and do not pose a threat to the property or other residents. The bill would also limit the amount of pet fees and deposits that landlords can charge, and require them to refund them if no damage is caused by the pets.
The benefits of pet-friendly housing
The bill is not only good for pet owners, but also for landlords, the economy, and the society. Here are some of the benefits of pet-friendly housing:
Increased demand and revenue: According to a 2019 survey by the American Pet Products Association, 67% of U.S. households own a pet, and 89% of them consider their pets as part of the family. By allowing pets, landlords can tap into a large and loyal market of potential tenants, who are willing to pay more and stay longer for a pet-friendly place. A study by FIREPAW, Inc., a non-profit organization that researches the human-animal bond, found that pet-friendly properties had lower vacancy rates, higher occupancy rates, and higher net operating income than non-pet-friendly properties.
Reduced animal shelter intake and euthanasia: By allowing pets, landlords can help reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters or are euthanized due to housing issues. According to the ASPCA, housing problems are among the top reasons why people surrender their pets to shelters, and about 1.5 million animals are euthanized in U.S. shelters each year. By providing more pet-friendly housing options, landlords can help keep pets and their owners together, and save lives.
Improved tenant well-being and community: By allowing pets, landlords can also improve the well-being and social cohesion of their tenants and communities. Pets can reduce stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety, and improve physical health, mental health, and quality of life for their owners. Pets can also foster social interactions, friendships, and mutual support among neighbors, creating a sense of community and belonging. A study by the University of Western Australia found that pet owners were more likely to know their neighbors, exchange favors, and trust them than non-pet owners.
The challenges of pet-friendly housing
Of course, pet-friendly housing is not without its challenges. Some of the common concerns that landlords may have are:
Property damage and liability: Landlords may worry that pets will cause damage to their property, such as scratching, chewing, staining, or odors. They may also worry that they will be liable if a pet injures another tenant, visitor, or staff member. However, these risks can be minimized by screening pets and owners, setting reasonable rules and expectations, charging reasonable fees and deposits, and requiring pet owners to have renters insurance that covers pet liability. Moreover, the bill would protect landlords from being held liable for any damage or injury caused by a tenant’s pet, unless the landlord knew or should have known that the pet was dangerous and failed to take action.
Noise and nuisance complaints: Landlords may also worry that pets will create noise and nuisance problems, such as barking, howling, or roaming. They may also worry that some tenants may be allergic, afraid, or annoyed by pets. However, these issues can be addressed by enforcing pet policies, such as limiting the number and size of pets, requiring pets to be leashed and supervised in common areas, and providing adequate waste disposal and cleanup facilities. Moreover, the bill would allow landlords to evict tenants who violate the pet policies or whose pets cause unreasonable disturbances or harm to others.
The conclusion
In conclusion, House Bill 721 is a win-win proposition for both pet owners and landlords in Florida. It would protect the rights of pet owners to keep their pets in rental housing, and the interests of landlords to maintain their property and profitability. It would also benefit the economy, the society, and the animals by increasing the demand and supply of pet-friendly housing, reducing the burden on animal shelters, and improving the well-being and community of tenants. The bill deserves the support of all Floridians who care about pets and people.