Pets Belong with Families Act

The Pets Belong with Families Act prohibits public housing agencies from banning pets based on breed, size, or weight. It allows housing authorities to require pet deposits limited to 10% of monthly rent, amortized over at least three months, and mandates reimbursement of unused deposits within 30 days of tenancy ending. The bill also permits restrictions on the number of animals based on unit size and prohibits pets declared dangerous by courts or banned by state or local laws. Public housing agencies cannot withhold pet deposits for damage unrelated to pets, such as ordinary wear and tear. This legislation directly affects tenants living in federally subsidized public housing.