Pets Belong with Families Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8378
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Housing and Community Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-20: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-13T08:06:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Pets Belong with Families Act (H.R. 8378) aims to update rules for pet ownership in public housing by prohibiting restrictions based on an animal's breed, size, or weight, while allowing other limited, reasonable requirements to protect housing properties and residents.
Key Provisions
- Pet Deposits: Public housing agencies (PHAs, local organizations that manage public housing) can require a deposit up to 10% of a tenant's monthly base rent, paid over at least 3 months as part of rent. Unused portions must be refunded within 30 days after the tenant moves out.
- Limits on Number of Pets: Restrictions based on the size of the housing unit or other relevant factors (e.g., building capacity).
- Prohibited Animals: Bans on species illegal under state or local law, or individual animals declared a public health/safety threat by a court or prohibited by state/local law.
- Protections for Deposits: PHAs cannot use pet deposits to cover damages not caused by the pet, such as normal wear and tear.
- Core Prohibition: No rules banning pets based on breed, size, or weight.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends Section 31(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (a law governing public housing):
- Replaces the prior subsection, which allowed PHAs to impose breed, size, or weight restrictions as "reasonable requirements."
- Introduces strict caps and protections on pet deposits, which were not previously detailed in the same way.
- Explicitly bans withholding deposits for non-pet-related issues.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies (PHAs): Limits flexibility in pet rules, potentially increasing administrative work for deposits and refunds, but reduces liability disputes over breed bans.
- On Citizens (Tenants): Public housing residents with pets gain more rights to keep breed/size-diverse animals (e.g., larger dogs or specific breeds), making housing more pet-friendly and family-supportive, though deposits may add short-term costs.
- No notable international relations impacts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Public housing tenants, especially pet owners (e.g., families, low-income households).
- Public housing agencies (PHAs) managing federally funded housing.
- Local governments, whose animal laws influence allowed species.
- Animal welfare advocates and veterinarians, who may benefit from reduced breed discrimination.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Shifts authority from PHAs to federal law on pet rules, potentially leading to lawsuits over what counts as a "threat to public safety" (resolved by courts). Aligns with state/local laws to avoid conflicts.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges noted; supports equal access to housing without arbitrary pet bans.
- Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by Republicans and Democrats); promotes pet-friendly policies in affordable housing amid debates on tenant rights vs. property maintenance.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-20: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2026-04-20: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-20: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Pets Belong with Families Act — issued 2026-04-20 — PDF (3 pages)