Washington DC landlords are prohibited from denying tenants the right to keep dogs based on breed, size, or weight, according to a new law that took effect on Thursday. The legislation also bans additional fees linked to these factors, a move welcomed by animal welfare organizations and shelters as a way to lower barriers to pet ownership in the capital.
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Previously, certain dog breeds labeled as “dangerous” faced restrictions, particularly pit bulls, rottweilers, and dobermans. Landlords often implemented these bans to mitigate concerns over aggression and potential damage to property or other tenants. However, animal advocacy groups argue that such breed-specific restrictions unfairly penalize responsible dog owners and emphasize that aggressive behavior is typically tied to the owner's control rather than the breed itself. They also pointed out that high pet fees and breed limitations can limit housing options for many pet owners.
The new regulations are part of the Pets in Housing Amendment Act, known as “Roscoe’s Law,” championed by Councilmember Robert White in memory of his dog. This follows earlier provisions that have been partially in effect since 2025, which placed limits on pet-related fees, including a maximum pet security deposit of 15% of the monthly rent and a cap on pet rent at 1% of monthly rent, while banning other non-refundable fees.
While the DC Landlord Association recognized the law's goal of helping families keep pets, they expressed concerns about the adequacy of the pet fee limits in covering potential damage costs. As of October 1, 2026, any residential leases executed must comply with the prohibition against breed and weight restrictions. However, immediate changes may not be reflected in real estate listings, with many currently indicating weight limits for pets, sometimes as high as 75 pounds.