What is the penalty for California SB 1296 pet disclosure violations?
Quick answer
Civil Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296) does not set a separate civil fine or private damages schedule. From April 1, 2027, landlords must have a written pet policy and disclose it with applications and on sites/ads they control. If an application fee was charged before disclosure and the applicant becomes ineligible or withdraws because of the policy, the landlord must refund that fee within seven business days after written notice. Other California housing or unfair-competition laws may still apply depending on the facts.
Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5, added by SB 1296, Chapter 1025, Statutes of 2026 | Official source |
| Effective | April 1, 2027 (subdivision (m)) | Official source |
| Written policy | Required even for a no-pets policy | Official source |
| Disclosure | With rental applications and by hyperlink (or similar) on property websites and digital ads the landlord controls; acknowledgment space on the application | Official source |
| Statutory fine | No separate civil fine amount in 1942.7.5 | Official source |
| Stated fee remedy | Refund application fee within seven business days after written notice when charged before disclosure and the applicant is ineligible or withdraws because of the policy | Official source |
| Last verified | October 18, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
Want it done in an afternoon? The California SB 1296 pet policy disclosure kit turns these rules into fill-in templates, a checklist and a tracker, with the official sources quoted. One-time payment, instant download.
FAQ
Does SB 1296 force landlords to allow pets?
No. It requires a written pet policy, including a written no-pets policy, and disclosure of that policy.
Is there a dollar fine if I skip the disclosure?
1942.7.5 itself states no civil fine. The explicit monetary remedy in the section is the application-fee refund in the situations it describes.
When must California landlords comply?
April 1, 2027.
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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