The amendment seeks two goals. First, it gives greater protection to senior citizens. Second, it clarifies the 1983 law's original intent of affording a tenant the right to continued housing of pets throughout the duration of a tenant's occupancy. The amendment provides that people 62 years of age or older may neither be denied occupancy nor evicted from a multiple dwelling because they have a pet. Roughly 40,000 homeless dogs and cats are killed each year in the City's animal shelters, too often because not enough homes are available for them.
Studies show that pets are tremendously important for the health and well-being of senior citizens.
Hospitals and pet-based organizations throughout the city recognize this vital link. Many have started pet-assisted therapy programs based upon the medical benefits offered by animal companions. The proposed amendment protects the city's elderly and their pets by recognizing the valuable benefits that each bestows upon the other. No. 203 also clarifies existing law by providing that once a landlord waives a no-pet clause in a tenant's lease, any such waiver lasts for the duration of the tenant's of occupancy in the apartment. The Committee believes that the proposed modification complies with the original intent of the 1983 law.