Pet Rules & Tenancy Laws For Your Rental Property
We wanted to let you know about some upcoming changes to tenancy laws regarding pets. The commencement date for the pet-related changes under the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 has now been confirmed by Cabinet — these will take effect from 1 December 2025.
What's changing?
From 1 December 2025, new rules will make it easier for tenants to keep pets while ensuring landlords are protected from pet-related damage:
- Landlords will be able to charge a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent, in addition to the standard bond.
- Tenants will still need written consent from their landlord to keep a pet. Landlords must respond within 21 days and can only refuse on reasonable grounds.
- Landlords may attach reasonable conditions to their consent, considering the type of pet and the property.
- Tenants will be responsible for the full cost of any pet-related damage (not including fair wear and tear).
- The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) will manage all pet bonds, including lodgements, top-ups, and refunds.
- Tenants who already have pets on 1 December 2025 won’t need new consent or be charged a pet bond if they already have permission, their tenancy allows pets, or their agreement doesn’t mention pets.
- Disability assist dogs are always allowed and do not require a pet bond.
For more information, you can read the Government’s announcement here:
Pet bonds for renters start 1 December | Beehive.govt.nz
Further details and official guidance will be available soon on the MBIE Tenancy Services website: tenancy.govt.nz/pets
Meet Our New Team Members
We’re also delighted to welcome two new faces to the Housemart team:
Kirsty, our new Letting Agent, who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role.
Holly, our new Administrator, whose attention to detail and friendly approach have already made her an invaluable part of the team.
We’re thrilled to have them on board and know they’ll continue to help us deliver the high standard of service our owners and tenants expect.