From 1 December, new rules for keeping pets in rental homes come into effect across New Zealand. These changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 mean tenants can  now request permission to have pets, and landlords must consider each request on reasonable grounds. The updated law also introduces pet bonds, clearer consent processes, and stronger responsibilities for tenants to prevent property damage.

These FAQs explain how New Zealand’s new pet consent rules, pet bonds, and damage responsibilities apply to tenants and landlords from 1 December 2025.

FAQS - Pet requests in a rental home

Do tenants automatically have the right to keep pets in a rental property?

No. Tenants do not automatically have the right to keep a pet. They must either have the landlord’s permission or a tenancy agreement that specifically allows pets.

Can landlords refuse a tenant’s pet under the new rules?

From 1 December 2025, every pet request must be considered individually, and landlords must respond within 21 days with approval, refusal, and may set conditions when allowing a pet.

What are reasonable grounds for a landlord to decline a pet request?

A landlord can only refuse consent if there are valid, property-related reasons, such as:

  • The property isn’t suitable for pets (e.g. no fencing, shared spaces, small unit)
  • Local bylaws or body corporate rules prohibit pets
  • The pet is likely to cause damage or disruption
  • The pet has a known history of aggression or attacks
  • The tenant refuses the reasonable conditions of the consent 

Can landlords set conditions for keeping a pet?

Yes. A landlord may grant approval to keep a pet as long as the tenant meets the reasonable conditions, such as:

  • The number and the type of pets allowed
  • Requiring professional carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy
  • Specifying areas where the pet is not allowed (for example, indoors only)

These conditions must be clearly written into the tenancy agreement or attached as a written addendum to the agreement.

How much is a pet bond in NZ and when can it be charged?

A pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent can be charged, which is in addition to the standard bond (up to four weeks’ rent). Only one pet bond can be charged per tenancy, not per pet. It must be clearly identified in the tenancy agreement and lodged with Tenancy Services.

If the rent increases, the pet bond may also be topped up to match the new rent level.

Who is responsible for pet damage?

Tenants are fully responsible for any damage caused by their pets. This includes direct damage such as scratched flooring or doors, and indirect damage such as odour or carpet staining. All tenants named on the tenancy agreement are fully responsible for any pet damage. 

Do the new pet rules apply to pets already allowed in a rental property?

Existing pets that were previously approved before December 1 2025 will remain under the old rules. Tenants do not need to ask again for consent to keep the pets that have already been approved and landlords cannot charge a new pet bond for those pets. However, if the same tenant applies for an additional pet after 1 December, the new rules will apply to that request.

What are the consequences of keeping a pet without landlord approval?

If a tenant keeps a pet without the landlord's written consent or in breach of the tenancy agreement, it is considered an unlawful act under the Residential Tenancies Act. The landlord may apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for orders or remedies, including compensation or termination.

Are disability assist dogs exempt?

Yes.  Disability assist dogs are completely exempt from pet consent and bond requirements. Tenants with registered assist dogs do not need landlord permission and cannot be charged a pet bond.

What happens to the pet bond if a pet leaves or dies? 

If a pet is no longer at the property, the tenant can ask for the pet bond to be refunded. If a tenant wanted to get another pet in the future, they would need to request permission for the new pet.

Further Reading

 

At South Property Management, we make navigating these new changes simple. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the new pet rule changes and want someone to help takeover the management of your rental property, we can help you.