Finding an apartment may be easier for California pet owners under new legislation

A bill in California wants to make more rental housing available to tenants with pets. Assembly Bill 2216 would ban blanket no-pets policies and prohibit landlords from charging extra for security deposit and rent for tenants who have cats, dogs or other common household animals. Supporters say too many renters struggle to find housing because landlords won't take pets. Some tenants are forced to relinquish pets to overcrowded shelters. But property owners say they’re worried about property damage and liability. The bill is awaiting a vote by the full Assembly. Then it needs to go to the state Senate.