Rental Housing Journal

09/17/2026

New California research shows pet policy information costs housing providers and renters time and money routinely leaves renters without critical information about pet policies until after they have invested time and money pursuing a property. Landmark pet policy legislation awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature, SB 1296, the Pet Policy Transparency Act.
The Search for Pet-Inclusive Housing: How Information Gaps Shape the Housing Search Experience for Renters with Pets draws on a survey of more than 1,100 California renters, an audit of rental listings across five major California markets, and interviews with Los Angeles County renters. https://rentalhousingjournal.com/pet-policy-information-gaps-cost-landlords-and-renters-time-and-money/

08/26/2026

National dog day shows there is a gap in the rental market when “pet-friendly” does not always mean what renters think when they visit an apartment complex. https://rentalhousingjournal.com/what-national-dog-day-reveals-about-gap-in-rental-market/

08/20/2026

The Seattle City Council has passed its rental fee regulation ordinance, ending months of debate over rental fee transparency and regulation, and removing the word “junk fees” from the ordinance. “This is a significant step forward in making Seattle a more affordable place to live and work, and giving renters the clarity and confidence they deserve,” said city attorney Erika Evans. “Good landlords who play by the rules will benefit, too, as we hold bad actors accountable by making the housing market fairer and more transparent for everyone.” https://rentalhousingjournal.com/seattle-landlords-can-no-longer-charge-pet-rent-or-junk-fees/

07/15/2026

A Utah woman is accused of retaliating against a former apartment manager who evicted her by listing the woman’s apartment for rent.

A Utah woman is accused of retaliating against a former apartment manager who evicted her by listing the woman's apartment for rent

06/24/2026

My tenants want a "kiddie pool" what should I do?

A landlord's tenants want a kiddie pool in the backyard of the landlord's rental so that is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank.

06/17/2026

Balancing lease enforcement and fair housing means shifting away from standard, rigid punishments and leaning into a thoughtful, empathetic approach to compliance.

Balancing lease enforcement and fair housing means shifting from standard, rigid punishments to an empathetic approach to compliance.

06/17/2026

Michelson Found Animals’ Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative has announced the winners for 2026 Pets & Housing Awards. The fifth annual Pets & Housing Awards honors organizations, properties, nonprofits, and policymakers that are helping create communities where pets and people can thrive together.

Michelson Found Animals’ Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative has announced the winners for 2026 Pets & Housing Awards.

06/10/2026

A California bill, SB 1296, to require upfront disclosure of rental application pet restrictions before renters pay application fees has passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Simply put the bill requires landlords to clearly disclose rental pet policies before charging an application fee.

A California bill to end rental application pet policies before renters pay application fees passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee

06/10/2026

Ask Landlord Hank: My tenants want to have a “seasonal” kiddie pool in my backyard rental. What is my liability? Do I need to have a legal rider to my lease stating terms?

A landlord's tenants want a kiddie pool in the backyard of the landlord's rental so that is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank.

05/28/2026

Online lease templates can mean legal headaches for landlords as many templates fail to reflect current landlord-tenant law in individual states.

Online lease templates can mean legal headaches for landlords as many templates fail to reflect states current landlord-tenant law