A proposal to grant tax incentives to landlords who permit tenants to have pets has resurfaced in the Ohio House of Representatives.
After languishing for four months without any progress in the Ways and Means Committee, the Pet Friendly Rental Act is finally set to receive its fourth hearing on Tuesday morning.
Lawmakers are of the opinion that the bill, which was first introduced in September, has the potential to address the pressing issue of affordable housing shortage across the state.
House Bill 227 proposes a tax credit of $750 per unit, with a maximum limit of $7,500 per taxpayer. This tax credit will be granted to landlords who do not impose restrictions on pets based on breed or size, and do not charge nonrefundable fees or higher rents for tenants with pets.
Landlords can still choose to have units that do not allow pets.
According to Rep. Sharon Ray, R-Wadsworth, HB277 addresses the increasing and intricate housing crisis in Ohio. Many pet owners in the state are faced with the difficult choice of giving up their cherished family members because there is a lack of affordable and pet-friendly housing options available.
Rep. Juanita Brent, a Democrat from Cleveland, may introduce a sub-bill on Tuesday morning before the hearing, according to her office.
Animal welfare groups from across the state have expressed their support for the proposed legislation.
Colleen Evans, executive director of the Ohio Animal Welfare Federation, recently explained to the committee the heartbreaking reasons why people surrender their pets to animal shelters. One of the most distressing factors is housing insecurity. Families facing this issue, whether due to poverty, seniors on fixed incomes, individuals dealing with financial difficulties, or those needing to relocate, often find themselves contemplating giving up their beloved pets. The alternative is living in their cars or even on the streets until they can secure an affordable home that accommodates their entire family, including their furry companions.
The Ohio Legislative Service Commission has provided estimates on the total cost of the tax credit, stating that it would range between $160 million and $225 million each year. According to their calculations, there are approximately 700,000 rental properties owned by individuals or entities in Ohio, which adds up to around 1.7 million rental units.
According to the 2021 U.S. Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey, approximately 1.5 million renter-occupied housing units in Ohio have around 370,000 households with at least one dog, and about 300,000 households with at least one cat. Additionally, it is estimated that nearly 600,000 renter-occupied units in Ohio have at least one pet, including pets other than dogs and cats.
No opposition testimony has been provided in the bill’s three previous committee hearings.