Colombia bans extra rent fees for tenants with pets

Data from the national statistics agency DANE show that about 67 % of Colombian households own at least one pet, with the highest prevalence in Bogotá (25 %), followed by Cali (18 %) and Medellín (17 %). More than 40 % of the population rents or sublets their homes, raising questions about rental contracts and pet ownership.

Colombian rental agreements are governed by Law 820 of 2003. A 1997 Constitutional Court ruling (sentencia T‑035) permits tenants to keep animals in multi‑unit residential buildings, provided they meet certain responsibilities. Landlords therefore cannot refuse tenants because of pets nor charge additional rent for them. Tenants must also comply with Law 675 of 2001 on horizontal property, which sets rules for pet noise, waste handling and, for potentially dangerous dog breeds, the use of muzzles.