Senator Chipman introduces legislation to expand pet-friendly housing
AUGUSTA — On Thursday, Senator Ben Chipman, D-Portland, introduced a bill to expand pet-friendly public housing by preventing the Maine Housing Authority and other entities from disallowing common household pets. LD 1193, “An Act to Allow Residents of Low-income Housing to Keep Pets,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Labor and Housing.
“Pet-inclusive housing policies are good for animals, tenants and owner operators,” said Senator Chipman. “This legislation would create more stable and affordable pet-inclusive housing. We would be committing to policies and programs that are based on human-animal relations.”
Many Mainers with pets have difficulty finding housing. This challenge is exacerbated by the current housing crisis. With the end of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, many people are facing eviction notices and increases in rent, forcing many to find new housing. For pet owners, this process is even more difficult.
According to a 2021 report, 98% of pet owners consider their pets important family members. As a result, the needs of their pets directly inform their decision when finding housing. Unfortunately, 72% of pet owners struggle to find housing because of the number of residences that don’t allow pets or enforce pet restrictions. This bill benefits landlords as well: 79% of owner operators find units that allow common household pets easier to fill. An even higher percentage of property owners also consider pets to be family members.
“The connection we share with our pets should never compromise a person’s ability to secure safe, affordable housing,” said Katie Hansberry, Maine State Director for the Humane Society of the United States. “LD 1193 will improve the availability of housing that welcomes all and ensure fewer people have to experience the anguish of losing their beloved pet due to housing insecurity. If we want to protect pets, we must also protect the people who love them. We thank Senator Chipman for his leadership and authoring this important legislation.”
LD 1193 faces further action in committee.
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