Featured Article, Landlords, Latest, Legislation, Tenant

The conversation around pets in rental properties has been heating up in New Zealand, and for good reason. For many tenants, pets are part of the family — but for landlords, concerns about property damage and suitability are very real.

The Government has recently passed legislation amending the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) to make it easier for tenants to keep pets, while still protecting landlords’ interests. Although the changes are not yet in effect, they are expected to come into force before the end of 2025.

What’s Changing

Once the new pet provisions take effect, tenants will be able to formally request permission from their landlord to keep a pet. Landlords will no longer be able to refuse a pet request without “reasonable grounds.”

Key proposed changes include:

• Pet consent: Tenants can apply in writing to have a pet. Landlords must respond and can only refuse on reasonable grounds.
• Reasonable grounds to decline: These may include properties without fencing or adequate outdoor space, restrictions under body corporate or council rules, or previous pet-related damage or nuisance.
• Pet bond: Landlords may charge a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent, on top of the standard four-week bond.
• Reasonable conditions: Landlords may set conditions — for example, requiring professional carpet cleaning, limiting pets to outdoor areas, or specifying the number or type of animals allowed.
• Liability for damage: Tenants will be responsible for pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear.
• Service animals: Disability assist or service animals will remain exempt — they do not require consent and no pet bond can be charged.

These changes will only apply to new tenancies (or new pet applications) that begin after the law officially comes into force.

What This Means for Tenants

For renters, these changes bring greater flexibility and fairness. You’ll soon have the right to ask for a pet without automatically being turned away. However, landlords will still be able to say no if there are valid reasons — so not every property will be suitable for pets.

If you’re planning to apply for a pet once the law changes, be prepared to:

• Provide details about your pet’s type, size, and behaviour.
• Agree to any reasonable conditions your landlord sets.
• Take full responsibility for keeping the property in good condition and covering any damage caused by your pet.

What This Means for Landlords

For landlords, the new legislation strikes a balance between allowing pets and protecting your property. You’ll have clear rights to request a pet bond, set conditions, and recover costs if damage occurs.

The key change is that you’ll need to have a valid reason to decline a pet request — blanket “no pets” policies will no longer be enforceable.

At Tommy’s Property Management, we’ll ensure all agreements, templates, and processes are updated in line with the new rules once they take effect, so you remain fully compliant without any extra admin.

When Will the Rules Apply?

The legislation has passed but will only come into effect once it is formally enacted by an Order in Council. The Government has indicated this will likely happen before the end of 2025.

Until then, the current rules still apply — landlords can continue to decide whether pets are permitted in their properties.

Our Take

Pets bring life and happiness to many homes, and these reforms aim to make renting fairer for both sides. With clear guidelines, fair bonds, and mutual accountability, New Zealand’s rental market is moving toward a more balanced and compassionate framework.

As always, Tommy’s Property Management will keep our clients and tenants informed every step of the way — and once the new rules are confirmed, we’ll share practical guidance on what it means for you.

Have questions about renting with pets or managing your property?
Our team is here to help.