From 1 December 2025, new tenancy laws will make it easier for tenants to have pets, while giving landlords and body corporates clearer rules for managing them. For landlords who own properties in a body corporate (unit title), the process involves both tenancy law and the building’s own operational rules.
What Are the Rules Around Pets in Body Corporates?
If your rental property is part of a body corporate or cross-lease, you must follow the BC’s operational rules before giving a tenant permission to keep a pet.
Most bodies corporate require owners to:
- Request written approval from the committee before a pet moves in.
- Provide details such as the type, breed, and size of the pet.
- Sign a pet agreement or waiver, confirming responsibility for noise, damage, and common areas.
A BC can still decline a pet even if the landlord supports it, and that decision must be respected. Body corporate approval always comes first.
What If the Body Corporate Approves a Pet — Can the Landlord Still Say No?
Yes, a landlord can still decline a pet request even if the body corporate allows it, provided there are reasonable grounds for doing so.
Under the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 (effective 1 December 2025):
- Tenants must obtain written consent from their landlord before bringing a pet into the property.
- Landlords must respond within 21 days and can only refuse on reasonable grounds.
- Examples of reasonable grounds include:
- The property’s layout or condition makes it unsuitable for the animal.
- The pet is likely to cause excessive noise or damage.
- The tenant refuses to accept reasonable conditions, such as carpet cleaning or outdoor restrictions.
If a body corporate allows pets, it does not automatically mean the landlord must approve them. The landlord still has the final say for their individual property, as long as the refusal meets the “reasonable grounds” test.
What Is the Government’s Pet Bond (Starting 1 December 2025)?
From 1 December 2025, landlords can charge a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent, in addition to the standard four-week tenancy bond.
Key details:
- The pet bond must be lodged with Tenancy Services.
- It can be added to new or existing tenancies, topped up if rent increases, and refunded when the pet leaves.
- Tenants are fully liable for all pet damage beyond fair wear and tear.
The new pet bond system gives landlords and body corporates greater peace of mind, as it provides a financial buffer against pet-related damage.
Including Pets in Your Tenancy Agreement
Even if your body corporate and you as landlord both approve a pet, the tenancy agreement must clearly record:
- The type, breed, and number of pets allowed.
- Any conditions around cleaning, noise, or containment.
- The process for replacement or additional pets.
- Reference to the pet bond amount (if applicable).
Clear agreements protect both landlords and tenants and reduce the risk of disputes.
Why Allowing Pets Can Still Be Worth It
Although pet approvals involve extra steps, there are clear advantages.
- Higher tenant demand: Pet-friendly rentals attract more applicants.
- Longer tenancies: Pet owners tend to stay longer once they find suitable housing.
- Added security: Dogs can act as a deterrent to break-ins.
Balancing flexibility with the new rules can help Auckland landlords attract quality tenants and reduce vacancy times.
Read more about Should You Allow Pets In My Rental Property?
The Next Steps for Body Corporate Landlords
- Review your body corporate rules and confirm whether pets are allowed.
- Apply for committee approval before granting tenant consent.
- Update your tenancy agreement with pet conditions and pet bond details.
- Use a Pet CV to assess tenant suitability.
- Lodge any pet bond through Tenancy Services.
Taking these steps ensures you meet both body corporate and tenancy law requirements.
