State pet rent and deposit cap legislation halted

A proposal to cap what rental housing providers can charge for pet rent and additional security deposits has stalled in the Assembly after opposition from the California Apartment Association, leaving existing law governing pet fees intact.

AB 2609, which would have prohibited rental housing owners who accept pets from charging additional rent in excess of 1% of the monthly rent and additional security deposits in excess of 15% of one month's rent, did not move out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee this week.

In an April 21 opposition letter signed by Freddie Quintana, vice president of state public affairs at CAA, the association argued the limits were too low to cover the cost of pet damage, which can include professional cleaning and repairs. The association sought four amendments: clarifying that the bill does not mandate pet acceptance, allowing an additional pet deposit of up to $1,000 above the current one-month cap, allowing pet rent of $50 per month per pet, and exempting existing and renewed leases.

The Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing scheduled for the bill was canceled at the request of the author on April 27, effectively halting the measure for the session.