Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.7
California Civil Code
Operative Text
(a) A person or corporation that occupies, owns, manages, or provides services in connection with any real property, including the individual’s or corporation’s agents or successors in interest, and that allows an animal on the premises, shall not do any of the following: (1) Advertise, through any means, the availability of real property for occupancy in a manner designed to discourage application for occupancy of that real property because an applicant’s animal has not been declawed or devocalized. (2) Refuse to allow the occupancy of any real property, refuse to negotiate the occupancy of any real property, or otherwise make unavailable or deny to any other person the occupancy of any real property because of that person’s refusal to declaw or devocalize any animal. (3) Require any tenant or occupant of real property to declaw or devocalize any animal allowed on the premises. (b) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) “Animal” means any mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian. (2) “Application for occupancy” means all phases of the process of applying for the right to occupy real property, including, but not limited to, filling out applications, interviewing, and submitting references. (3) “Claw” means a hardened keratinized modification of the epidermis, or a hardened keratinized growth, that extends from the end of the digits of certain mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, often commonly referred to as a “claw,” “talon,” or “nail.” (4) “Declawing” means performing, procuring, or arranging for any procedure, such as an onychectomy, tendonectomy, or phalangectomy, to remove or to prevent the normal function of an animal’s claw or claws. (5) “Devocalizing” means performing, procuring, or arranging for any surgical procedure such as a vocal cordectomy, to remove an animal’s vocal cords or to prevent the normal function of an animal’s vocal cords. (6) “Owner” means any person who has any right, title, or interest in real property. (c) (1) A city attorney, district attorney, or other law enforcement prosecutorial entity has standing to enforce this section and may sue for declaratory relief or injunctive relief for a violation of this section, and to enforce the civil penalties provided in paragraphs (2) and (3). (2) In addition to any other penalty allowed by law, a violation of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) shall result in a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per advertisement, to be paid to the entity that is authorized to bring the action under this section. (3) In addition to any other penalty allowed by law, a violation of paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (a) shall result in a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per animal, to be paid to the entity that is authorized to bring the action under this section.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.7 prohibits any person or entity that allows animals on real property from requiring, as a condition of occupancy, that an animal be declawed or devocalized — procedures that remove or impair an animal's claws or vocal cords. The rule also bars advertising that is designed to discourage applicants whose animals have not undergone these procedures. Enforcement authority rests with city attorneys, district attorneys, and other prosecutorial entities, who may seek civil penalties of up to $1,000 per advertisement or per animal for violations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who permit animals on their premises should ensure that their advertising, application processes, and lease terms under Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.7 contain no language — explicit or implied — that conditions occupancy on an animal being declawed or devocalized. Compliant operators generally review all rental listings and screening criteria to remove any such requirements before publishing or applying them. Because civil penalties can be assessed per advertisement or per animal, operators who allow animals on their properties typically audit their materials regularly to confirm ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.7 gives tenants and applicants a right not to be denied housing, screened out, or required to alter their animal through declawing or devocalization as a condition of renting. If a landlord's advertisement, application process, or lease term appears to violate this provision, a tenant or applicant may report the conduct to a local city attorney's or district attorney's office, which has standing to pursue enforcement and civil penalties. Tenant-rights organizations can also help individuals understand how this section applies to their situation and what reporting or complaint options may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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