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Landlords: Changes coming 1 December to Pet Rules

From 1 December 2025, this major updates will affect landlords.

New pet consent rules

These provisions will take effect on 1 December 2025.

  • Tenants can keep a pet, if their tenancy agreement allows it or with written consent from the landlord.
  • Landlords can only say no to a tenant's request to have a pet if they have a good reason (reasonable grounds).
  • All tenants can be fully responsible for pet-related damage that is more than fair wear and tear.
  • Landlords that consent to pets can have reasonable conditions included with their consent.
  • Landlords can charge tenants a pet bond of up to 2 weeks’ rent. Only 1 pet bond is allowed at a time.

More information

  • Disability assist dogs are excluded from the pet consent and pet bond requirements, so permission is not needed and a pet bond cannot be charged for these dogs.
  • Landlords need to clearly state which type of bond and how much is being charged for a general bond and pet bond.
  • If a pet is no longer at the property, tenants can ask the pet bond to be refunded. If the tenant wants a new pet, a new pet bond can be charged.
  • Landlords can require a bond top-up if the rent increases. This applies to both general and pet bonds.
  • The Tenancy Tribunal can order a general or pet bond to cover any excess if the amount owed is higher than either bond.

Existing tenancies with pets when the new rules come into effect
If you are a tenant with a lawful pet at your rental property before the pet rules comes into effect, here is what you need to know when the new rules come into effect.

  • You do not need to ask your landlord again for pet consent for existing pets.
  • All tenants named on the tenancy agreement are fully responsible for pet damage that is more than fair wear and tear.
  • Your landlord cannot ask you for a pet bond or introduce conditions for the existing pets.
  • If you obtain consent for a new pet, landlords can have reasonable conditions, such as charge a pet bond.

Further guidance on pet bonds and consents will be made available to support compliance with pet-related rights and responsibilities at the time the pet rules are due to commence.

Source:  business.govt.nz