From 1 December 2025, major updates to the Residential Tenancies Act will take effect, confirming how pets are managed in rental properties. The reforms aim to make it easier for tenants to keep pets, while giving landlords greater protection through the new pet bond system and clearer consent rules.
These changes are designed to strike a balance between flexibility for tenants and financial security for property owners.
Key Changes for Landlords
| CHANGE | WHAT IT MEANS FOR LANDLORDS |
| Written consent | Tenants must seek consent unless the agreement already allows pets. Landlords must respond in writing within 21 days. |
| Reasonable grounds to refuse | Examples include property unsuitability, relevant bylaws, dangerous or menacing dogs, or a tenant not agreeing to reasonable conditions. |
| Pet bond | You may charge up to two weeks’ rent as a pet bond, separate from the general bond. Tenancy Services will manage pet bonds. If rent increases, you may request a top-up to keep the pet bond aligned. |
| Penalties and timelines | If you refuse without good reason or fail to reply within 21 days, you could face a fine up to $1,500. Keeping a pet without consent is an unlawful act, fine up to $750. |
| Exemptions | Disability assist dogs are excluded from the consent and pet bond rules. |
When Landlords Can Say No to Pets
Landlords can only refuse pet requests on reasonable grounds, and must respond in writing within 21 days. The legislation does not provide an exhaustive list, but examples include:
- The property type or size is unsuitable for the pet, such as large dogs in small apartments.
- Body corporate or local council rules prohibit pets.
- The pet poses a health or safety risk, such as a dangerous or menacing dog.
- The tenant will not agree to reasonable pet conditions in the tenancy agreement, such as carpet cleaning or outdoor containment.
If a landlord refuses without good reason, or fails to respond within the timeframe, penalties of up to $1,500 may apply.
Tenant and Landlord Liability for Pet Damage
A key difference under the new law is that tenants are fully liable for all pet damage beyond fair wear and tear. This separates pet damage from ordinary tenant damage under existing case law.
General tenant damage vs pet damage
Under Holler & Rouse v Osaki and later amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, tenants are generally not liable for accidental damage if the landlord is insured and could claim under that policy. That is why, for standard damage, landlords usually need to claim on insurance first.
Pet damage is treated differently
The new pet bond provisions recognise that pets can cause unique forms of damage. Pet damage is not covered by the same accidental damage protection that applies to tenants themselves.
This means:
- Landlords can claim directly against the tenant or pet bond without going through insurance first.
- There is no obligation to make an insurance claim unless the landlord’s policy specifically requires it.
This creates clearer accountability and gives landlords more confidence to approve pet requests without increasing risk exposure.
What Auckland Investors Should Do Now
With the new rules starting 1 December, landlords have just a few weeks to prepare.
- Update tenancy agreements to include pet clauses that reflect the new law.
- Review your pet policy and decide reasonable conditions such as pet size, type or cleaning requirements.
- Plan your bond process so you are ready to collect, lodge and refund pet bonds via Tenancy Services. Remember, if rent increases, the pet bond can be topped up in proportion.
- Check body corporate and local council rules, as these may still restrict pets regardless of tenancy law.
- Communicate early with existing tenants about your pet policy and how it will apply going forward.
By updating templates and workflows now, landlords can respond efficiently and confidently to pet requests when the new law begins.
Risks and Opportunities for Investors
For Auckland investors, allowing pets brings both risk and reward.
Risks
- Increased wear and tear or property damage.
- Potential noise or neighbour complaints.
- Penalties if landlords refuse consent without valid grounds.
Opportunities
- Access to a wider tenant pool, as around 64 percent of New Zealand households include at least one pet.
- Longer tenancies, as pet owners often stay longer in suitable homes.
- Competitive advantage in a tight rental market where pet-friendly properties are in short supply.
A well-structured pet policy helps investors capture the upside while managing potential issues.
Conclusion
The pet consent and bond rules are now confirmed to start on 1 December 2025. For Auckland landlords and investors, this is the time to review documentation, update processes and ensure compliance before the deadline.
Handled well, these changes can help attract responsible tenants, reduce vacancy and protect your investment through a clear, fair system for managing pets in rentals.
