DC Dog Breed Ban Rental Law Takes Effect
Roscoe's Law, banning breed, size, and weight restrictions for dogs in rental housing, is now fully effective in Washington DC, alongside caps on pet fees.
The final provision of Roscoe’s Law took effect on Thursday, prohibiting landlords in Washington DC from banning tenants’ dogs based on breed, size, or weight in all new leases. The law also bars landlords from imposing special charges related to a dog’s breed, size, or weight. These restrictions are prohibited in all residential leases beginning after 1 October 2026.
Landlords will no longer be able to refuse a tenant’s dog based on these physical characteristics. The legislation aims to reduce barriers to pet ownership in the city.
Roscoe’s Law builds on earlier fee protections
This final step completes the Pets in Housing Amendment Act, known as Roscoe’s Law. Councilmember Robert White introduced the act in honor of his dog. The first part of the law has been partially in effect since 2025, establishing strict caps on pet-related costs for renters.
These earlier provisions are now fully active alongside the new breed ban. The fee structure is as follows:
| Fee Type | Cap or Rule |
|---|---|
| Pet Security Deposit | Cannot exceed 15% of monthly rent |
| Pet Rent | Capped at 1% of the monthly rent |
| Other Non-Refundable Pet Fees | Prohibited |
Animal groups and landlords acknowledge intent despite concerns
Animal welfare organizations and shelters applauded the legislation. They had long warned that exorbitant pet fees and breed restrictions make housing unaffordable for many people. The DC Landlord Association acknowledged the law’s intent "to help keep families together and prevent the separation of pets from their owners due to restrictive housing policies."
Concerns from property owners persist. In May, the association stated that "the security deposits and rent caps included in the law might not cover the costs associated with pet-related damages."
Breed bans challenged as ineffective and unfair
Previously, landlords could ban certain breeds regardless of an individual dog's behavior. Justifications centered on avoiding incidents with aggressive dogs that could damage property or harm others. Breeds like pit bulls, rottweilers, and dobermans often faced these restrictions.
Animal groups have forcefully challenged this logic. They argue breed bans penalize responsible dog owners and do not prevent incidents. They state that aggressive behavior is linked to owner management and control, not breed, in the vast majority of cases. The landlord association, meanwhile, has called for 'adequate' deposits and rent to cover potential costs.
Current listings still show restrictions despite legal change
Immediate changes may not be evident on the ground. Real estate websites commonly include pet restrictions in property listings. A Zillow search on Thursday showed many 'pet-friendly' DC listings included details on whether dogs are allowed and their permitted weight. Some listings showed a weight limit for dogs, sometimes set at a maximum of 75lb.
Animal groups continue to advocate for housing policies that judge dogs by behavior, not breed, as the new law aims to keep families and pets together.
