Rep. Smith-Wade-El introduces legislation to rein in pet housing costs
Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El May 4, 2026 | 11:22 AM
HARRISBURG, May 4– State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El today introduced legislation (House Bills 2475 and 2476) to protect Pennsylvania pet owners from exorbitant tenant rental fees, as well as relocation fees in domestic violence situations.
House Bill 2475 would prohibit landlords from charging tenants an upfront or ongoing pet fee or rent; and would limit the amount of a permitted pet deposit. The bill seeks to restore equity to rental property pet policies, ending a pattern of landlords charging out of control pet fees or rent on top of upfront deposits.
“It is one thing to charge tenants for property damage their pets could potentially cause,” Smith-Wade-El said. “It is another thing entirely to charge a captive audience exorbitant fees for the sake of profit. Pets are beloved family members and should not be seen as an obstacle to affordable housing.”
House Bill 2476 would allow expenses related to the relocation of pets in domestic violence situations as an “out-of-pocket loss” compensable under the Crime Victim Compensation Program. The bill would give victims of domestic violence an avenue to keep their family pets safe.
“We need legislation to assuage the fears of how family pets could be treated in domestic violence situations,” Smith-Wade-El said. “The pressures of relocating a pet are already high, and it becomes immense in a high-stress position. With a minor legislative tweak, we can alleviate a major source of stress for people and pets who are escaping abuse."
The bills have been introduced in conjunction with Humane Lobby Day in Harrisburg being May 4. Sponsored by Humane World for Animals, people from across Pennsylvania came to the Capitol to advocate for continued animal protection legislation.
“Financial or personal circumstances can change in an instant, but the love we share with our pets endures,” said Jessica Simpson, program manager on companion animal policy for Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States. “Too often, families are forced into impossible decisions between housing and the animals they love. House Bills 2475 and 2476 will help ensure that in times of uncertainty or transition, people are not forced to leave their pets behind in order to find safety and stability.”
On Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Humane World for Animals and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) will be hosting a breakfast at the Capitol to discuss this legislation and other bills. Media is welcome at the event, which will be held at 421 IOB at the Capitol.
“Pets are more than companions – they are family members, providing love and comfort to their owners during stressful times, but housing insecurity can force even the most devoted pet owners to make a heartbreaking choice between keeping their pet or securing stable housing for themselves,” said Susan Riggs, senior director of housing policy for the ASPCA. The ASPCA is grateful to Representative Smith-Wade-El for sponsoring this important legislation to make housing more accessible for people with pets, and we urge Pennsylvania lawmakers to support this bill to ensure people and pets can stay safely together.”
More information is available by contacting Smith-Wade-El’s Lancaster office at 717-283-4218, or his Harrisburg office at 717-772-0752.