Oregon legislation would ban charging ‘pet rent’

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Three Oregon lawmakers are looking to give renters a break by eliminating the special fees some landlords charge for pets.

KOIN reports that House Bill 2683 would wipe out the monthly fees and with the exception of a deposit, it would prohibit landlords that allow pets in their units from charging tenants additional rent or fees simply based on possession of pets.

The lawmakers who sponsored the bill said it would also prevent rent prices from going up further than they already are in a tight housing market.

Ron Garcia with the Rental Housing Alliance said he feels the bill is misguided and will hurt the people it’s trying to help. He said because those fees are needed to compensate for pet wear and tear and he feels landlords will end up charging more for deposits.