WASHINGTON — With the passage of the Pets in Housing Act (B25-0827) Washington, D.C. took a decisive step to support pet owners and address challenges associated with the nation’s housing crisis.
Championed by D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Roscoe’s Law, named for his late rescue dog, will open doors to safe, affordable housing for residents with pets, eliminating long-standing barriers that have left many struggling. The law passed with unanimous support from the D.C. Council and represents a significant victory for District residents and renters.
Councilmember White celebrated the passage of the legislation, emphasizing its importance for the city amidst a housing affordability crisis: “One in 10 D.C. residents lack stable housing. Our pets, like my family’s sweet pit bull mix Roscoe, who we had for 14 years, are our family. But often exorbitant pet fees and breed restrictions put housing out of reach for people. As chair of the Housing Committee, I take seriously my role to unlock more affordable housing for residents, and this bill breaks down real barriers residents have faced.”
Key provisions of Roscoe’s Law:
Improving affordability: Finding affordable, stable housing is particularly difficult for pet-owning tenants, in part due to excessive and unregulated fees related to pets. According to a report by Michelson Found Animals, 72% of renters state that pet-friendly housing is hard to find and 59% find those units to be too expensive. As a result, pet ownership is increasingly becoming reserved for the more privileged and affluent. Roscoe’s Law caps up-front and monthly pet-related fees throughout the District of Columbia.
Banning discriminatory pet policies: Research and shelter data show that housing-related issues are one of the top reasons why pets are relinquished to animal shelters, with renters citing breed and/or weight restrictions as the leading problem. Roscoe’s Law prohibits landlords and property managers from imposing arbitrary pet restrictions on breed, weight or size, which will help improve accessibility to rental housing for pet owners –particularly those who adopt mixed breeds.
Launching DC’s first pet-friendly homeless shelter: According to Pets of the Homeless, an estimated 5-10% of Americans experiencing or at risk of homelessness have a companion, emotional support or service animal. For many people, a no-pet policy is a barrier to seeking shelter because their pets have been lifesaving companions and family members. Once funding is allocated, Roscoe’s Law will direct the city to create a shelter that welcomes pets for residents experiencing homelessness, protecting both people and their pets.
Humane World for Animals, formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States, worked in partnership with the People + Paws Coalition for Affordable Housing, a collective of animal protection and housing advocates, to help develop and advance this important initiative.
“Roscoe's Law was designed to remove some of the most common housing barriers faced by District pet owners while also creating more opportunities for homeless animals to find loving homes,” said Kelly Whittier, People + Paws Coalition organizer and director of public affairs at the Humane Rescue Alliance. “These challenges are not unique to Washington, D.C., and this law can serve as a model for other jurisdictions looking to better support people and their pets at every stage of housing stability."
What’s next:
Effective Oct. 1, 2025, pet-related fees will be capped. Pet security deposits cannot exceed 15% of a tenant’s monthly rent. Pet rent will be capped at 1% of a tenant’s monthly rent, although, tenants with dogs may be charged 1% per dog. All other non-refundable fees will be prohibited.
Effective Oct. 1, 2026, landlords and housing providers will no longer be permitted to impose breed, weight or size restrictions on pet-friendly rental units.
Finally, subject to funding by the Council, a first-of-its-kind low-barrier shelter (one with fewer preconditions to entry) will be established for unhoused individuals with pets in the District.
The People + Paws Coalition for Affordable Housing members include The GW Animal Law Program, Humane Rescue Alliance, DC Voters for Animals, ASPCA, Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States), Animal Legal Defense Fund, Bice Animal Policy Group, Embark Veterinary, Best Friends Animal Society, Michelson Center for Public Policy, Human Animal Support Services, and individual volunteers.