The New Zealand Government has confirmed that new pet rules for residential tenancies will take effect on 1 December 2025. We’re excited about these changes as it gives our owners more clarity on pet ownership, while also advocating for a more pet friendly rental market for all New Zealanders.

Tenancy Services has released information outlining how new pet laws will work, including consent, conditions, and pet bonds. Full regulatory details will still be published closer to the commencement date, but we now have clear guidelines on what landlords and tenants can expect.

At Glasshouse Property Management, we help landlords stay compliant and confident through every tenancy law change. Here’s what’s coming, what’s already confirmed, and what will still require final guidance once the law goes live.

Current Rules (What Applies Until 1 December 2025)

Today, under the existing Residential Tenancies Act (RTA):

Landlords can choose whether to allow pets.
No separate pet bond is permitted (only the standard bond of up to four weeks’ rent).
Tenants must keep the property “reasonably clean and tidy”.
Tenants are responsible for any damage, including pet damage.
Landlords can decline pets for any reason.

These rules remain in force until 1 December 2025.

What’s Changing From 1 December 2025

1. Tenants Can Keep Pets With Consent

From 1 December 2025, tenants may keep pets if:

the tenancy agreement allows it, or
the landlord gives written consent.

This is an important shift. Landlords will no longer be able to refuse pets outright without meeting the “reasonable grounds” test.

2. Landlords Must Respond to Pet Requests Within 21 Days

According to official guidelines, landlords must respond to a pet request from a tenant within 21 days. If a landlord does not reply within that timeframe, consent rules may apply by default. The final details around this are expected once full legislation wording is released.

3. Landlords Must Say Yes Unless There Are Reasonable Grounds to Decline

Tenancy Services states that consent must be granted unless reasonable grounds exist. Reasonable grounds can include:

The rental property is not suitable (e.g., no fencing, very small space)
Local bylaws or rules prohibit pets
The pet is dangerous, disruptive, or has a history of attacks
The tenant refuses reasonable conditions
The tenant has breached pet rules before

This is a significant shift from the current “landlord’s discretion” model and puts clearer wording and guidelines into place.

4. Landlords Can Apply Reasonable Conditions

Consent may include reasonable conditions, such as:

Charging a pet bond
Limiting the type of pet
Limiting the number of pets

The full scope of what will be considered “reasonable” will be clarified once the final regulations and templates are published. It is expected that the Tenancy Tribunal will manage and enforce these new regulations.

Pet Bond: New Rules From 1 December 2025

According the Tenancy Services, starting 1 December 2025:

Landlords may charge a pet bond up to 2 weeks' rent,
This is in addition to the general bond (which remains up to 4 weeks).
The pet bond must be listed in the tenancy agreement.
It must be lodged with Tenancy Services.
If rent increases, the pet bond can be topped up, just like a general bond.

This is the first time a separate pet bond has been introduced under New Zealand tenancy law.

Tenant Responsibility for Damage

Tenancy Services confirms:

Tenants are fully responsible for any pet damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Liability applies even if the pet belongs to another tenant at the property.
Damage includes anything resulting from keeping a pet, not just direct damage (e.g., odour, mess, flea infestation, scratching).
If multiple tenants live in the home, all may be held responsible for pet-related damage.

This reinforces and clarifies existing RTA (Rental Tenancy Agreement) standards.

Disability Assist Dogs Are Exempt

No landlord permission is required for disability assist dogs.
No pet bond can be charged.

This exemption is absolute.

Pets Allowed Before 1 December 2025

According to Tenancy Services, pets legally permitted in a tenancy before 1 December 2025 are grandfathered in.

This means:

Tenants do NOT need to request consent again.
Landlords cannot charge a new pet bond for those existing pets.
Tenants remain responsible for all pet-related damage (before and after the law change).

This avoids forcing current tenants into new processes unnecessarily.

What Still Needs Final Confirmation

Tenancy Services notes that full details will be released once the law takes effect and supporting regulations are published. This includes:

The formal process for submitting/recording pet requests
How “non-response within 21 days” will be interpreted
Specific guidance on “reasonable conditions”
Templates for tenancy agreement updates
Any rules about ongoing monitoring or inspection frequency
Processes for disputing declined pet requests

We expect detailed updates to appear on tenancy.govt.nz leading up to, and immediately after, 1 December 2025.

What This Means for Landlords

From December 2025, landlords should prepare for:

A shift toward a pet-acceptance default, with only reasonable declines allowed
A new pet bond process
More clarity and responsibility around documenting and managing pet-related damage
Updated tenancy agreements
Ensuring property suitability (fencing, outdoor areas, local rules)

Our expert property managers are set to guide our landlords through this transition, answering any questions, keeping you informed and ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed and compliant.

What This Means for Tenants

Tenants will gain:

A clearer, fairer pathway to request pets
Faster turnaround (21 days)
Standardised conditions
The ability to keep disability assist dogs without restrictions

However, tenants will also face increased accountability for damage and cleanliness. Chat with your property manager if you are unsure about your responsibilities.

Our Key Takeaway

The new rules modernise renting in New Zealand, making it more pet-friendly and inclusive, while balancing the needs of both tenants and landlords. With clear processes, reasonable conditions, and responsible pet ownership, this shift should enhance long-term tenancies and reduce friction for both sides.

As always, our role is to ensure every property we manage is compliant, safe, and cared for, regardless of whether pets are part of the picture.