Va. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; public funding for multifamily residential housing, etc.
What changed between versions
The term 'companion animal' (previously defined by reference to Section 3.2-6500) is replaced everywhere with 'pet,' newly defined as an animal adapted or tamed to live in intimate association with people, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters, and reptiles, excluding service dogs and assistance animals. This broadens the scope of protected animals beyond whatever Section 3.2-6500 covered.
The landlord disclosure requirement in Section 55.1-1203 subsection E now uses the new 'pet' definition instead of 'companion animal,' aligning it with the rest of the bill.
Section 38.2-519 (insurance) is expanded from covering only homeowner's insurance to also covering renter's insurance and a newly defined 'residential property liability insurance' (covering single-family, condominium, mobile home, manufactured home, and commercial multi-family residential structures). The prohibited actions now include 'exclude' in addition to refuse, cancel, or increase rates.
The HDA mortgage loan provision (Section 36-55.33:1, subdivision A.6) is simplified to reference the new Section 36-55.33:3 and changes the obligated party from 'the housing development' to 'any housing sponsor financing the ownership and operation of multifamily residential housing.'
A new standalone section 36-55.33:3 is created containing the HDA pet policy requirements, including a savings clause stating nothing limits applicable state or local law related to public health, animal control, animal cruelty, or reasonable accommodations.