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HR8378119th CongressWALLET

Pets Belong with Families Act

Sponsored By: Representative Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Introduced

Summary

Ban on breed, size, and weight-based pet prohibitions in public housing. This bill would make public housing pet rules more tenant-friendly and set standard limits for deposits and animal restrictions.

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  • Families and tenants: Residents would no longer face bans based on an animal's breed, size, or weight. Deposit rules would be clearer: a pet deposit cannot exceed 10% of monthly base rent and must be amortized over at least 3 months.
  • Public housing agencies: Agencies could still set reasonable rules such as limits on the number of animals by unit size and bans on species that state or local law prohibit. They could bar individual animals that a court or local law declares a threat to public health or safety.
  • Pet owners: Agencies could not withhold a pet deposit for damages unrelated to the pet, including ordinary wear and tear. Any unused pet-deposit funds would have to be reimbursed within 30 days after tenancy ends.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Lower pet deposits in public housing

If enacted, and you live in public housing and have a pet, your housing agency would be able to require a pet deposit up to 10% of your monthly base rent. You would pay the deposit as part of rent over at least 3 months. Any unused deposit would be returned within 30 days after you move out. The agency would not be allowed to keep the deposit for damage not caused by your pet, including ordinary wear and tear.

Public housing: no breed or size bans

If enacted, public housing agencies would not be allowed to ban pets only because of their breed, size, or weight. Agencies would still be able to limit the number of animals by unit size or other relevant conditions. Agencies could prohibit species that state or local law bans. Agencies could also bar any animal a court finds is a public health or safety threat or that state or local law restricts.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

NY • R

Cosponsors

  • Crow

    CO • D

    Sponsored 4/20/2026

  • Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]

    NV • D

    Sponsored 4/20/2026

  • Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 4/20/2026

  • Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]

    MI • D

    Sponsored 4/20/2026

  • Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 4/20/2026

  • Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 4/20/2026

  • Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]

    KS • D

    Sponsored 5/12/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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