Tenants and Pet Ownership in West Hollywood

The City of West Hollywood recognizes the value of pet ownership and has amended the Rent Stabilization Ordinance to expand protections for tenants who wish to keep pets. These amendments distinguish between tenancies that began before March 24, 2022, and those that began on or after that date. They also provide special protections for older adults, tenants with disabilities, and tenants living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, the Ordinance prohibits blanket restrictions on specific dog breeds and limits when a landlord may charge additional security deposits related to pets. At the same time, tenants remain responsible for ensuring that their pets do not create a nuisance or health hazard to others on the property.

For tenancies that began prior to March 24, 2022, a landlord may not evict a tenant for keeping one or more pets, provided that the same type and number of pets were permitted at some point earlier during the tenancy. This protection also extends to replacement pets, meaning a tenant may replace a pet with another of the same type and approximate size, even if the landlord has since adopted a no-pet policy. A tenant may not replace a pet with a different species (e.g., a dog instead of a cat) or with a larger pet if the previous pet was smaller.

A landlord is permitted, for tenancies beginning prior to March 24, 2022, to collect an additional deposit of up to one month's rent in exchange for pets which would otherwise not have been allowed prior to the deposit. This additional deposit should not exceed the maximum amount permitted by state law to be collected by the landlord. 

If a landlord disputes that a pet was previously permitted, the tenant is responsible for providing documentation that the pet was allowed. Acceptable forms of proof may include a lease addendum, written communication from the landlord, pet deposit receipts, or evidence that an on-site manager was aware of the pet. Without such proof, replacing a pet could violate the lease and subject the tenant to eviction.

For tenancies that began on or after March 24, 2022, tenants have the right to keep one dog, cat, or bird weighing no more than 35 pounds. This right applies regardless of whether the lease prohibits pets. The tenant must provide written notice to the landlord within 14 days of acquiring the pet. Breed-specific restrictions are not allowed, although landlords may impose general weight limits so long as they meet or exceed the City's requirement to allow a dog, cat, or bird weighing no more than 35 pounds. Landlords are also permitted to allow more pets or pets weighing greater than 35 pounds, though they are not required to do so. 

Landlords may not charge an additional security deposit for the one permitted pet allowed pursuant to this section. 

Older Adults, Tenants with Disabilities, and Tenants Living With HIV/AIDS

Regardless of when the tenancy began, tenants who are 62 years of age or older, are disabled, or are living with HIV/AIDS may keep up to two dogs, cats, or birds, provided that each weighs no more than 35 pounds. These tenants must notify the landlord in writing within 14 days of acquiring the pet(s). If a physician has prescribed a support animal for health reasons, the landlord may not charge any additional deposit. 

If the tenancy began before March 24, 2022, the landlord may require an additional security deposit of up to 25% of the existing deposit. This additional charge is no longer permitted for any tenancy that began on or after March 24, 2022.

This provision does not apply to older adults, tenants with disabilities, and tenants living with HIV/AIDS who reside in condominium units; however, the pet allowances for tenancies beginning before and after March 24, 2022 still apply.

Noise and Unattended Animal Complaints

Tenants must keep their pets in a manner that does not interfere with others’ quiet enjoyment of their units. Pets may not be left unattended on the property if doing so interferes with safety or causes property damage. Even pets that are allowed under the lease or the RSO may not create a nuisance.

Neighbors should try to resolve pet-related disputes informally at first, including by contacting the tenant and/or landlord. If necessary, neighbors may seek mediation through Dispute Resolution Services at (323) 876-2747. If problems persist, tenants may contact the City’s Animal Services line at (323) 848-6396 to report noise, aggressive behavior, or safety threats.

Keeping It Clean

Tenants are expected to clean up after their pets on the property and in the surrounding area. Failure to do so may create a health violation, which could result in citations or even eviction. Neighbors may contact the landlord or request a health inspection if animal waste is not removed. The Health Department may be reached at (310) 665-8484. Mediation is also available for waste-related disputes.