House Committee Passes Pet Friendly Rental Act

COLUMBUS—The House Ways and Means Committee today passed the Pet Friendly Rental Act, House Bill 277, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth).

The Act will increase access to affordable housing in Ohio by providing a tax credit to landlords who choose to allow companion animals to reside in their rental units. Landlords who are awarded the credit will not be able to restrict pets by breed or size, nor impose nonrefundable fees or additional rent related to the pet.

“House Bill 277 is in response to the growing and complex housing crisis throughout our state,” said Ray. “This legislation directly supports both the landlord and the renter.”

Participation by landlords is voluntary and will not affect a landlord’s ability to have pet free units.

The Pet Friendly Rental Act now heads to the House floor for a vote.