Nevada Proposes Tax Breaks for Landlords Embracing Pet-Friendly Policies

In an effort to address Nevada’s pressing affordable housing crisis, Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy has introduced Assembly Bill 447 (AB447), proposing a partial property tax abatement for landlords who adopt pet-friendly policies. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden on pet owners who often face limited housing options due to restrictive rental policies.

Under AB447, landlords who refrain from imposing additional fees or breed and size restrictions on companion animals could qualify for a property tax reduction. Specifically, the bill seeks to:

•Eliminate nonrefundable pet fees and additional rent related to companion animals.

•Remove limitations on the number of companion animals, adhering only to local jurisdictional limits.

•Abolish breed or size restrictions, except for animals legally deemed dangerous or vicious.

The proposed tax abatement is capped at $10 million annually, encouraging landlords statewide to participate without significantly impacting state revenues.

Assemblywoman Hardy, representing District 22 in Henderson, has a consistent record of advocating for animal welfare. Her previous efforts include introducing “Reba’s Bill,” aimed at enhancing penalties for animal cruelty offenses.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports AB447, emphasizing that housing instability is a leading cause of pet surrenders to shelters. By incentivizing landlords to adopt pet-friendly policies, the bill aims to reduce the number of companion animals relinquished due to housing constraints.

The Animal Foundation, Nevada’s largest animal shelter, has expressed approval of the bill, noting that financial barriers such as extensive pet fees and restrictive policies often lead to pet surrenders. Encouraging landlords to adopt pet-friendly policies can significantly impact pets and their owners across the state.

As Nevada grapples with affordable housing challenges, AB447 presents a solution that supports both economic freedom for landlords and personal responsibility for pet owners. By fostering pet-friendly rental environments, the state can work towards reducing shelter populations and promoting stable housing for all residents.

The bill is currently under committee review and must pass out of committee later this month to proceed.

Source: Nevada Legislature