New laws governing pets in rental properties are expected to come into force later this year in Aotearoa. Until then, existing tenancy agreements stand as they are and pet bonds are not yet allowed under current regulations.

When Do the Changes Apply?

The new pet-consent and pet-bond rules only apply from the date the legislation takes effect, which has not yet been confirmed.

Pets already living in a property before the new rules kick in are unaffected—provided they were permitted under the existing agreement (explicitly or implicitly).

New Rules Around Pet Consent

Once the legislation is active:

• Tenants will need written consent from their landlord to keep a pet (unless the current tenancy agreement already allows it).
• Landlords will be required to agree unless there are reasonable grounds to refuse—for example, property suitability or conflicts with local bylaws.
• Landlords must respond to a pet request within 21 days.
• If consent is granted, landlords may attach fair conditions (e.g. requesting a pet bond, or requiring carpet cleaning at tenancy end if the pet was indoors).
• If a landlord refuses a request without solid reasons, or fails to reply in time, they may face a fine of up to $1,500.
• If a tenant keeps a pet without consent, it becomes an unlawful act, potentially incurring a fine of up to $750.

Pet Bond Details

When pets are approved:

Landlords may charge a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent, in addition to the standard bond amount.

These pet bonds will be managed through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), in the same way as regular tenancy bonds.

Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants are responsible for all pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear, even if the pet belongs to another tenant in the property.

“Damage” is broadly interpreted—it’s not limited to what the animal does directly (e.g. scratching walls) but includes any harm from keeping the pet.

If multiple tenants live in the property, all tenants may be held jointly responsible for pet-related damage.

How Landlords & Property Managers Should Prepare

• Review existing tenancy agreements — identify which already allow pets and which do not.
• Develop a clear policy for how you will assess, approve, or refuse pet requests under the new rules (with reasonable grounds defined).
• Decide on conditions you will allow (e.g. additional bond, cleaning requirements).
• Create a system to respond to tenant pet requests within the 21-day window.
• Communicate with current tenants to let them know these changes are coming and what they may need to do once the law changes.

Final Thoughts

These reforms aim to strike a fair balance: giving tenants clearer rights to keep pets, while still protecting landlords from unreasonable risk.

If you’d like help updating your tenancy forms, drafting a pet policy, or preparing for this transition, let me know — I’m ready to assist.