Petition updatePets Need Protection—Stop City RejectionPetition Summary: Enhanced Accountability for Pet-Friendly Housing

Carla Marie GallardoEl Paso, TX, United States

Mar 27, 2026
The following findings from the Bella Estancia case study illustrate the critical need for systemic reform in how landlords manage pet-related fees and safety:
• Failure of Basic Maintenance: Despite pet-accessible areas being a paid amenity, a hazardous environment featuring black algae and stagnant water was allowed to persist for over 116 days. This represents a severe failure to provide the safe, habitable environment that residents pay for through specialized pet fees.
• Opaque and Excessive Fee Structures: Management enforced a high financial barrier to pet ownership, including a $450 refundable deposit and a $150 non-refundable fee, while failing to provide clear disclosure regarding monthly pet rent costs.
• The Accountability Gap: There is currently a documented disconnect between the collection of pet-related revenue and the fulfillment of maintenance obligations. If a landlord collects "Pet Rent," those funds must be legally tied to the upkeep and safety of pet-specific infrastructure.
Our Demand:
We call for legislation that mandates transparency in pet-related leasing costs and establishes a "Right to Repair" for pet-accessible common areas. Landlords must be held to the same habitability standards for dog parks and pet relief areas as they are for the interior of a dwelling.
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