Apartment hunting with a pet could get easier in California

State of play: A new bill sitting on Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk aims to put that information in renters' hands earlier.

• The Pet Policy Transparency Act would create California's first statewide requirements for landlords to disclose their pet policies up front.

How it works: Landlords would have to maintain a written pet policy or addendum, including whether their policy is to prohibit pets.

• The policy would spell out the rules and restrictions that apply to pets at the property.
• Landlords would have to make the policy electronically accessible through property websites and digital advertisements they control. Prospective tenants would also receive the policy with their rental application.
• If a landlord collects an application screening fee without providing the pet policy, an applicant who discovers they are ineligible or decides not to proceed because of the undisclosed policy could request a refund.

Between the lines: California law already protects renters who have assistance animals. But there's no up-front pet policy disclosure system.

Of note: The bill doesn't require landlords to accept pets or tell them what their pet policies must be.

• That distinction is important: This is a transparency bill, not a pet-access mandate.

What they're saying: Supporters say clearer rules could benefit both sides, helping renters avoid applying for homes that won't work for them and helping landlords avoid processing applications that aren't a match.

• The California Apartment Association has also noted that the legislation preserves housing providers' ability to set pet policies while creating new disclosure requirements.

The bottom line: The bill wouldn't guarantee your pet a spot in your next apartment, but it could make it much easier to know the rules before you apply.

• Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign the law, which would go into effect next April if passed.