New Zealand’s long-anticipated pet friendly tenancy reforms came into effect on 1 December 2025, marking a significant shift in how pets are managed in rental properties. These changes were introduced to create a fairer system for tenants with pets, while still ensuring that landlords’ interests and properties were protected.
What Changed?
Under the updated Residential Tenancies Act:
– Landlords gained the ability to charge a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent, in addition to the standard bond.
– Tenants are required to obtain written consent from their landlord before bringing a pet into a rental property.
– Landlords could only refuse a pet on “reasonable grounds”, eliminating blanket no pet policies.
– Tenants became liable for any pet related damage that exceeded normal wear and tear.
These updates were implemented to make the rental market more accessible to pet owners while providing landlords with added assurance and clarity.
What the New Rules Mean for Tenants
Since the rules took effect:
– Pet owners have gained more opportunities to secure rental housing without automatic exclusion.
– The process for requesting permission to have a pet became clearer & more consistent across landlords & agencies.
– Tenants will find that by paying a pet bond it helps support their application and demonstrates responsibility.
Although tenants still must take full responsibility for any pet related damage, the environment for renting with pets has become more supportive and realistic.
What the Changes Have Meant for Landlords
For landlords and property managers, the changes have:
– Provided extra financial protection through the additional pet bond.
– Clarified legal obligations around considering and approving pet requests.
– Helped reduce misunderstandings and disputes by clearly defining responsibilities.
– Encouraged a more balanced and case-by-case approach to allowing pets.
Many landlords have also observed that tenants with pets often remain in properties longer, improving tenancy stability.
Why These Changes Matter
Before these reforms, tenants with pets frequently experienced significant challenges in securing rental housing. Many faced the difficult choice of giving up their pets or accepting less suitable living arrangements. The updated law acknowledged the reality that pets are part of many households and aimed to create a fairer, more modern approach. By formalising pet bonds, clarifying consent requirements, and outlining clear responsibilities for damage, the law now supports both tenant wellbeing and landlord confidence.
Tips for Tenants with Pets
Even with new rules in place, tenants can help strengthen their applications by:
– Being transparent about the type, size, and nature of the pet.
– Maintaining the property to a high standard and documenting its condition.
– Offering assurances about training, behaviour, and cleanliness.
Responsible pet ownership remains central to maintaining good relationships with landlords and property managers.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of pet friendly tenancy rules in December 2025 marks a meaningful shift for New Zealand’s rental market. By balancing practical protections with fairness, the changes have created a more inclusive and realistic environment for both landlords and tenants.
If you’re involved in renting or managing property, it remains important to stay familiar with these rules and if you’re a pet owner, the path to securing suitable housing has become far more achievable.
The Property Management Team ensures that every tenancy agreement with pets includes the necessary clauses to protect both tenant and landlord and we also strongly recommend that tenants arrange their own insurance cover, as a landlords policy may not always provide sufficient protection for a tenant’s pet.
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