California SB 1296 pet policy law (Civil Code §1942.7.5): landlord disclosure kit
Do you rent homes in California — even if you ban pets?
Quick answer
From April 1, 2027, California landlords and their agents must have a written pet policy or pet addendum, even a written no-pets policy, and disclose it with rental applications and on property websites and digital ads they control (Civil Code §1942.7.5, SB 1296). Applications need a space to acknowledge receipt. Landlords do not have to allow pets.
Last verified October 9, 2026 against the official text. Not legal advice.
Free guide: California SB 1296 rental pet policy law: what landlords need by April 1, 2027
From April 1, 2027, if you rent residential property in California you need a written pet policy or pet addendum. That includes a complete ban on pets. If you truly have no rules or conditions at all, the written policy must say so. You hand a copy over with every rental application, give applicants a place to acknowledge they received it, and put a hyperlink (or other electronic access) on the listing channels the statute names.
If you charged an application fee under Civil Code §1950.6 without disclosing the policy first, and because of that failure the applicant is no longer eligible or declines to proceed, they can ask for a refund by written notice — and you have seven business days after receiving that notice to refund.
This kit lays the statute out in plain words, with blank templates you adapt and a spreadsheet to track versions and any refund clock.
- ✓Plain-English checklist of what changes, with Civil Code §1942.7.5 quoted word for word
- ✓Three editable pet-policy templates: rules for pets, no pets, or a no-rules statement
- ✓Application acknowledgment wording and a listing / website / search-engine hyperlink checklist
- ✓Refund and version log for the seven-business-day application-fee clock
- ✓Full statute text, HSC §50466(b) pet definition, and official leginfo sources
Blank templates from the public law. Not legal advice, and it does not decide if you must allow pets or how assistance animals work. Covers SB 1296 / Civ. Code §1942.7.5 only (operative April 1, 2027). English only; get a qualified translation if you negotiate in another language — this pack does not invent one.
- ✓Instant download after payment
- ✓Official sources listed in the kit
- ✓12-month re-download access
- ✓Secure checkout by Stripe
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a written pet policy in California even if I ban pets?
Civil Code §1942.7.5(a)(3) says a pet policy includes policies that completely prohibit pets. Subdivision (b) requires landlords and agents to have a pet policy or pet addendum in writing and to disclose it as described in the section. The section does not require allowing pets (§1942.7.5(j)). This page does not decide whether the section applies to your property.
When does California Civil Code §1942.7.5 take effect?
April 1, 2027. Subdivision (m) says: “This section shall become operative on April 1, 2027.” SB 1296 was approved and filed September 30, 2026 (Chapter 1025, Statutes of 2026).
Where do I have to disclose the pet policy?
Provide a hyperlink or other electronic means of accessing it on the property website, in digital advertisements under your control and third-party digital advertisements to the extent the third party permits, and in information provided to residential rental search engines to the extent permitted or supported (§1942.7.5(b)(1)). Also provide a written copy with any rental application form (§1942.7.5(b)(2)). The section does not require creating a website or digitally advertising through any particular medium (§1942.7.5(j)).
What if I charged an application fee without disclosing the pet policy first?
If an application fee is charged under Civil Code §1950.6 and the pet policy or pet addendum was not disclosed before the fee was charged, and due to that failure the applicant is no longer eligible or declines to proceed, the applicant may request a refund by written notice. The landlord or agent must refund within seven business days after receiving written notice of the failure; then there are no further obligations under this section as to that applicant (§1942.7.5(h)).
Does this law change the rules for service or assistance animals?
No. Subdivision (k) says nothing in the section shall be construed to alter the obligations or rights of a landlord or tenant with respect to service animals, support animals, or assistance animals under state or federal law. This kit includes only a short statement pointing to that carve-out; it does not interpret those laws.
Is this kit available in Spanish or another language?
No. The kit is English only and does not invent translations. If you negotiate primarily in another language, get a qualified translation — this pack does not invent one (same approach as our California used-car cancel kit regarding Civil Code §1632 risk).
Is this legal advice?
No. This page and the kit are general information and blank templates built from the public law. They are not legal advice, are not tailored to your property, and buying a kit does not create a lawyer-client relationship. For your own situation, ask a California licensed attorney.
Official sources
- SB 1296 (Durazo) bill text — adds Civil Code §1942.7.5 (Chapter 1025, Statutes of 2026)
- Health & Safety Code §50466 — “common household pet” definition (subdivision (b))
- Civil Code §1950.6 — application screening fees (referenced by §1942.7.5(h))
Law text checked against the official sources above on October 9, 2026. General information, not legal advice; laws and rules change, so check the current official text before you rely on it.
Who wrote this and how it was checked
Written and maintained by Astor Ventures. We publish template kits built from public law; we are not a law firm, and no attorney has reviewed this page.
- Last verified: , against SB 1296 (Chapter 1025, Statutes of 2026) and Civil Code §1950.6 on leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
- Next scheduled check: before April 1, 2027, or sooner if the law changes.
- Found an error? Email [email protected] and we will correct the page and the kit.