New pet rules for rentals coming soon – what landlords and tenants need to know
New laws around pets in rental properties are likely to take effect later this year. Until then, pet bonds cannot be charged, and current tenancy agreements remain unchanged.
Here is what you need to know before the new rules kick in.
When do the changes apply?
The new pet consent and pet bond rules can only be used on or after the date the laws come into effect. This date has not been decided yet, but it is likely to be later this year.
Pets already living in rentals before this date are not affected, as long as they were allowed by the landlord or not prohibited in the tenancy agreement.
For information on the current rules for pets, see our website.
Pet consent rules
When the new laws come into effect:
- tenants must get written consent from their landlord to keep a pet, unless the tenancy agreement already allows it.
- landlords must say yes, unless there are reasonable grounds to say no, such as property suitability or local bylaw restrictions.
- landlords must respond to the request to keep a pet within 21 days.
- landlords can set fair conditions when giving consent — for example, asking for a pet bond or requiring carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy if the pet is allowed indoors.
- if a landlord says no to a pet without a good reason — or does not reply within 21 days — they could be fined up to $1,500.
- keeping a pet without consent is an unlawful act, with a fine of up to $750.
Pet bond details
If a pet is approved, landlords may charge a pet bond of up to 2 weeks’ rent, in addition to the general bond.
Pet bonds will be managed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), just like general tenancy bonds.
Tenant responsibilities
Tenants are liable for all pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear — even if the pet belongs to another tenant.
Damage includes anything resulting from keeping a pet, not just direct damage caused by the animal.
If multiple tenants live in the property, all may be held responsible for pet-related damage.
Keep up to date with changes
To stay up to date with pet bond and consent changes visit our law changes page, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook.
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