Landlords in Washington D.C. can no longer refuse a tenant's dog because of its breed, size or weight, nor charge extra fees tied to those characteristics. The final phase of the Pets in Housing Amendment Act — popularly known as "Roscoe's Law" — moved forward this week, building on earlier provisions that have been partially in effect since 2025.
What the Law Covers
Breed, Size and Weight Restrictions: The law bars landlords from imposing breed-, size- or weight-based restrictions in residential leases executed on or after 1 October 2026. That means commonly targeted breeds such as pit bulls, rottweilers and dobermans can no longer be singled out for exclusion in new leases.
Pet-Related Fees: The earlier phase of the legislation, already partly in force since 2025, caps pet security deposits at 15% of a tenant's monthly rent and limits pet rent to 1% of monthly rent. Landlords are also prohibited from charging other non-refundable pet fees.
Why Supporters Applaud
Animal welfare organizations and shelters praised the law for removing barriers to pet ownership, arguing that breed-specific bans unfairly penalize responsible owners. Advocates say aggressive behavior is more often linked to owner management and training than to breed alone, and that excessive fees and breed rules can push companion animals out of homes.
Landlords' Concerns
Groups such as the D.C. Landlord Association acknowledged the law's aim "to help keep families together and prevent the separation of pets from their owners due to restrictive housing policies," but warned that the caps on deposits and pet rent might not fully cover the costs of pet-related damage. They urged provisions that allow landlords to secure adequate financial protection for potential damages.
Practical change may be gradual: many real estate listings and platforms still display pet rules as a standard part of property descriptions.
A quick review of listings on major platforms found numerous D.C. properties labeled "pet-friendly" that still specify weight limits (in some cases up to 75 lb), underscoring that advertised rules may take time to catch up with the law.
What Renters Should Know
Tenants signing new leases on or after 1 October 2026 should not be denied housing because of a dog's breed, size or weight. Existing leases signed before that date may remain in effect until they are renewed or renegotiated; renters with questions should review their lease terms and consult D.C. housing resources or legal aid if necessary.
Background: The bill was championed by Councilmember Robert White and named in honor of his dog, Roscoe. Its phased rollout is intended to balance tenant protections with landlords' concerns about property damage and liability.
