Here’s a clear, simple-to-understand blog explaining the new pet rules for rental properties in New Zealand so both tenants and landlords can easily know what’s changing and what the expectations are — based on the official Tenancy Services guidance. (Tenancy Services)
New NZ Rental Rules About Pets – What Tenants & Landlords Need to Know (From December 1, 2025)
Effective Date: These new pet rules started on 1 December 2025. (Tenancy Services)
Pets and rentals can be confusing — especially with old “no pets” clauses and uncertainty around landlord rights. These changes aim to make the process fairer and clearer for everyone.
1. Tenants Need Written Consent to Have a Pet
If you want to start keeping a pet in your rental on or after 1 December 2025, you must ask your landlord for written permission first. Whether it’s a dog, cat, bird, rabbit or another animal — you can’t just bring it home without consent. (Tenancy Services)
Important: This only applies to pets starting after 1 December 2025. If you already had a landlord’s permission before this date, the old agreement stays in place. (Tenancy Services)
2. Landlords Must Respond in Writing Within 21 Days
Once a tenant asks to keep a pet:
The landlord must reply in writing within 21 days.
They must say yes unless there’s a reasonable reason to say no. (Tenancy Services)
Reasonable grounds to refuse might include:
- The property is not safe or suitable for that type of pet (e.g., very small courtyard with a large dog).
- Local animal bylaws don’t allow that animal.
- The tenant hasn’t met previous pet consent conditions.
(Landlords must use logic and fairness — arbitrary refusals can result in penalties.) (Tenancy Services)
If a landlord says “no” without a good reason, they could face a fine up to $1,500. (Tenancy Services)
3. Pet Bonds Are Now Allowed
If a landlord agrees to let a tenant keep a pet, they can charge an extra pet bond:
Up to 2 weeks’ rent, in addition to the usual general bond (up to 4 weeks). (MBIE)
This pet bond helps cover possible damage caused by the pet. It must be lodged through Tenancy Services (just like regular bonds). (MBIE)
Note: This extra bond applies only to pets approved after the new rules — not pets already living in the home with permission before 1 December 2025. (Tenancy Services)
4. Extra Damage Responsibility for Pet Owners
Under the new rules:
If a pet causes damage that’s more than normal wear and tear, tenants are responsible for all of it. (MBIE)
This means things like scratched floors, broken fences, damaged screens — if it’s beyond reasonable use — could cost you. It’s important to document the condition of the property before your pet moves in (e.g., photos). (Tenancy Services)
5. Disability Assist Dogs Are Exempt
If a tenant has a certified disability assist dog (like a guide dog or hearing dog), the landlord must allow them to live there.
No written consent needed.
No pet bond can be charged. (Tenancy Services)
(Emotional support animals — which don’t have official certification — aren’t part of this exemption.) (Tenancy Services)
Quick Summary (Tenant & Landlord Checklist)
For Tenants
- Ask in writing if you want a pet (after 1 Dec 2025). (Tenancy Services)
- Wait for a response within 21 days. (Tenancy Services)
- Be prepared to pay a pet bond (if approved). (MBIE)
- You’re responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear. (MBIE)
For Landlords
- You can only say “no” if you have reasonable grounds. (Tenancy Services)
- You must respond to pet requests in writing within 21 days. (Tenancy Services)
- You can set reasonable conditions (like fencing, cleaning). (MBIE)
- You can charge a pet bond (up to 2 weeks’ rent). (MBIE)
- Download our helpful information data that you can give to tenants, explaining Simple Tools to Prevent Pet Odours & Stains here
Bottom Line
These new pet rules make it much clearer how pets should be handled in tenancies — balancing tenant rights with landlord protection.
They encourage communication, fairness and clear expectations from the start. (Tenancy Services)