Housing issues are a big reason why people have to give up their pets, especially for people with limited incomes. House Bill 1179 is a bill in the Maryland General Assembly that could help. It would apply to certain affordable housing developments that receive funding from the state. HB 1179 would give tenants in these communities the ability to have pets without weight or breed restrictions, while protecting residents from dangerous dogs.

For tenants, HB 1179 means

• You can have pets

• You won’t be charged pet rent

• There are no breed or weight restrictions

For landlords, HB 1179 means

• You can still enforce leash laws

• You can still ban dangerous dogs, which Maryland specifically defines as a dog that’s caused physical harm