Pets in Rental Properties: What Landlords Need to Know About New Zealand’s Pet Laws
Pets are an important part of many households, and recent changes to New Zealand’s tenancy laws have altered how landlords manage pet requests in rental properties. Understanding these changes can help you make informed decisions, protect your investment, and confidently navigate requests from tenants wanting to keep pets.
Whether you currently allow pets or have always preferred a “no pets” approach, the law now requires landlords to carefully consider pet requests and follow a formal process when deciding whether to approve or decline them.
The Pet Law Changes Explained
From 1 December 2025, tenants are able to request permission to keep a pet in a rental property, and landlords must consider these requests in accordance with the updated tenancy laws.
Landlords can no longer adopt a blanket policy of refusing pets without considering the circumstances. Instead, requests must be assessed individually, and consent can only be declined where there are reasonable grounds to do so.
The changes are designed to strike a fair balance between giving tenants greater flexibility to keep pets and ensuring landlords have practical tools to protect their properties.
Can Landlords Still Say No to Pets?
Yes, landlords can still refuse a pet request, but only if there are reasonable grounds.
Examples may include:
- The property is unsuitable for the type, size, or number of animals proposed.
- The property is subject to body corporate rules that prohibit pets.
- Allowing the pet would breach another legal requirement.
- The animal is likely to pose an unreasonable risk to the property, neighbouring properties, or occupants.
- The pet would result in overcrowding or is otherwise inappropriate for the property.
Each request should be considered on its own merits, taking into account the property, the pet, and any relevant restrictions.
What Information Should You Consider?
When reviewing a pet request, landlords may wish to consider:
✔ The type, breed, size, and age of the pet.
✔ Whether the property is fully fenced or suitable for the animal.
✔ The number of pets being requested.
✔ Whether there are body corporate or insurance restrictions.
✔ The impact the pet may have on neighbours or shared facilities.
✔ The tenant’s history of responsible pet ownership, where available and whether they can mitigate any concerns.
Pet Bonds Are Now Permitted
One of the most significant changes introduced by the legislation is the ability for landlords to request a pet bond.
Landlords may now:
✔ Charge a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent.
✔ Require the pet bond in addition to the standard tenancy bond.
✔ Hold the pet bond as protection against pet-related damage that goes beyond fair wear and tear.
This provides owners with an additional level of security and may make approving pets a more comfortable option for many landlords.
Who Is Responsible for Pet Damage?
Tenants remain responsible for damage caused by their pets that is beyond normal wear and tear.
Examples of pet-related damage can include:
- Scratched timber floors or doors.
- Damaged lawns and gardens.
- Torn insect screens.
- Chewed skirting boards.
- Carpet staining or lingering odours.
- Flea infestations requiring treatment.
- Damage to fencing or landscaping.
A detailed ingoing inspection, supported by comprehensive photographs, remains one of the most effective ways to document the property’s condition and protect your investment.
Are Pets Always a Bad Idea?
Not necessarily.
Many landlords who allow pets find there can be advantages, including:
✔ A larger pool of prospective tenants.
✔ Reduced vacancy periods.
✔ Longer tenancy durations.
✔ Improved tenant retention.
Responsible pet owners are often willing to stay in a property longer because suitable pet-friendly homes can be difficult to find.
With the introduction of pet bonds and clearer legislation around pet approvals, many landlords are finding that allowing pets can be a practical and commercially beneficial decision.
How We Help Property Owners Navigate Pet Requests
Understanding your obligations under the new pet laws can feel overwhelming, particularly if you own multiple investment properties or have previously chosen not to allow pets.
Our property management team can help by:
✔ Assessing pet requests and determining whether reasonable grounds exist to decline them.
✔ Advising on suitable conditions for pet approvals.
✔ Collecting and managing pet bonds.
✔ Completing detailed ingoing inspections and routine inspections.
✔ Monitoring the condition of your property throughout the tenancy.
✔ Providing practical advice to help balance tenant demand with protecting your investment.
Thinking About Renting Out Your Property?
The recent changes to pet laws do not mean landlords have lost control over their properties. Instead, they provide a framework for considering pet requests fairly while giving owners additional tools to manage potential risks.
If you would like advice on managing pet requests, understanding your obligations, or preparing your property for tenants, our team is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your property and receive tailored guidance from our experts.