Do California landlords have to show the pet policy on rental listing sites?
Quick answer
From April 1, 2027, yes where the site allows it. Civil Code 1942.7.5 requires a link or other electronic access to the written pet policy on the property's website, in digital ads you fully control, and in third-party ads and rental search engine listings to the extent they permit a link, plus a copy with every rental application.
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Start date | April 1, 2027 (Civ. Code 1942.7.5(m)) | SB 1296 (Ch. 1025) |
| Own website | Link or other electronic access to the pet policy or pet addendum on the property's internet website (1942.7.5(b)(1)(A)) | SB 1296 (Ch. 1025) |
| Digital ads | Every digital ad under your complete control; ads on third-party sites only to the extent the third party permits a link or electronic access (b)(1)(B) | SB 1296 (Ch. 1025) |
| Rental search engines | Information you provide to a residential rental search engine, to the extent it permits or supports a link (b)(1)(C) | SB 1296 (Ch. 1025) |
| Scraped listings | Not liable for an omission or error on a third-party site that obtained, scraped or republished your information without your express written permission (c) | SB 1296 (Ch. 1025) |
| Applications | A written copy with every rental application (electronically if the application is electronic) and a space to acknowledge receipt (b)(2), (g) | SB 1296 (Ch. 1025) |
| No new channels required | No duty to create a website or advertise through any particular medium (j) | SB 1296 (Ch. 1025) |
| Last verified | October 27, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
What if a listing site shows the wrong pet policy?
Under 1942.7.5(c), the landlord or agent is not liable for an omission, error or failure to display the pet policy on a third-party website or platform that obtained, scraped or republished the information from your website or ads without your express written permission.
Do I need a property website just for this?
No. Subsection (j) says the section does not require a landlord to create a website for the property or to advertise a unit through any particular medium. The link duty applies to the website and digital ads you do have, and the application copy applies to every application.
What if I make a mistake?
You substantially comply if applicants get the material terms of the established pet policy, and a nonmaterial error or omission corrected upon notice is not a violation (f). If you charge an application fee without disclosing the policy and the applicant then cannot or will not proceed, refund the fee within seven business days of written notice (h).
Want it done in an afternoon? The California rental pet policy disclosure kit turns these rules into fill-in templates, a checklist and a tracker, with the official sources quoted. One-time payment of $49, instant download.
What else do people ask?
I ban pets. Do I still need this?
Yes. A pet policy includes a policy that completely prohibits pets (1942.7.5(a)(3)).
Can I change my pet policy later?
Yes, for prospective tenants only; give applicants the policy in effect when the application is provided (e).
Does this affect service or support animals?
No. It does not change any obligation or right relating to service, support or other assistance animals (k).
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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