Got a pet? Want one? Read this.

From 1 December 2025, the rules around pets in rental properties changed. This update affects how pets are approved, managed and cared for within a tenancy.

Whether you already have one, or you’re thinking about getting one,we take a quick paws here, to help you understand what these new laws mean in practice.

Already have a pet?

Good news. If your pet was already living with you before 1 December 2025, and it was approved by the landlord, allowed under your tenancy agreement, or the agreement didn’t prohibit pets, you don’t need to apply for consent again. The landlord also can’t use the new rules to introduce a pet bond or add new conditions for a pet that was already legitimately there.

In short, if your pet was allowed before the law changed, that approval still stands. If you’re unsure what was formally recorded at the time, have a quick chat with your landlord or property manager to make sure everything is clear and on file.

Thinking about getting a pet?

You now have a formal way to ask. You can request permission when you apply for a property, or at any time during your tenancy. This needs to be done in writing - talk to your property manager as they can provide a form that captures what the landlord needs to make a decision. What you can’t do is bring a pet home first and ask later. Consent must come first.

How the decision works

Once your request is submitted, the landlord has 21 days to respond. They must say yes unless there are reasonable grounds not to. That might be things like the property or pets not being suitable for each other, local or apartment complex rules preventing pets, or concerns about safety or behaviour. 

They can grant consent subject to conditions too. These might relate to the number or type of pets, cleaning expectations, managing noise, where pets are allowed in the property, as well as collection of a pet bond. Any conditions must be reasonable and consistent with the Residential Tenancies Act, and will be added to your tenancy agreement.

Pet bonds and responsibility

If a pet is approved, the landlord may charge a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent, on top of the general bond. This must be lodged with Tenancy Services. Tenants are responsible for any pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear. This includes indirect damage and applies even if the pet belongs to another occupant. If your pet pond is not sufficient to cover the costs of any pet-related damage, the landlord can make a claim against your general bond too.

Disability assist dogs

These are exempt. No consent is required and no pet bond can be charged.

If your agreement says “no pets”
That’s not always the final word. Many blanket bans may no longer be enforceable. You will need to ask for permission to keep a pet first.  The landlord will then consider your request under the rules that came in on 1st December 2025.  If you can’t agree,  either party can ask the Tenancy Tribunal to decide.

Living well with a pet in a rental

A little extra care goes a long way. Make sure you stick to any conditions which apply to keeping pets. Supervision, regular cleaning, managing noise and preventing damage all help protect the home and your bond. If you notice any damage - or anything that might lead to damage - let your landlord or property manager know early on. Small issues are always easier to sort out than bigger ones later.

The takeaway

The new rules make things clearer for everyone. There’s now a formal way to ask, a clear way for landlords to respond, and a shared understanding of what responsible pet ownership looks like in a rental home.

Of course if you have questions, our team is up to speed with the new legislation, and always happy to help.

What's next?

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