Pet-Friendly Rental Reforms: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

Tiri Raumati-Greenhalgh • February 10, 2025

For many renters in New Zealand, finding a pet-friendly home has been a long-standing challenge. With landlords hesitant to accept tenants with pets due to concerns about property damage, many pet owners have struggled to secure suitable accommodation. However, recent proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act aim to balance the rights of tenants and landlords while ensuring more Kiwis can keep their beloved pets.


What Are the Proposed Changes?

The government has outlined several key reforms designed to make renting with pets easier while addressing landlords' concerns. These proposed changes include:


1. Pet Bonds

Under the new rules, landlords will be able to request a pet bond of up to two weeks' rent in addition to the standard bond. This additional financial security is intended to cover any pet-related damages beyond normal wear and tear.


2. Tenant Liability for Pet Damage

Tenants will be fully responsible for any damage caused by their pets. While this has always been a concern for landlords, the new changes clarify that tenants must cover all repairs for any pet-related damage, rather than relying on standard bond payments alone.


3. Landlord Consent for Pets

Currently, many landlords impose a blanket "no pets" policy. The reforms propose that landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant's request to have a pet. Instead, landlords must provide a valid reason if they deny permission. Acceptable grounds for refusal may include:

  • Property size and suitability – For example, a large dog may not be appropriate in a small apartment.
  • Lack of fencing or secure outdoor space – If a property cannot safely accommodate a pet, landlords may refuse.
  • Allergy concerns in multi-unit dwellings – If other tenants have allergies, landlords may deny requests based on health concerns.



4. Encouraging More Pet-Friendly Rentals

With these changes, New Zealand aims to create a more pet-friendly rental market. The goal is to encourage landlords to reconsider their stance on pets, knowing that they have greater financial security through pet bonds and clearly defined tenant responsibilities.

What This Means for Tenants


For pet owners, these reforms could make renting a home significantly easier. If passed, the new rules would mean:

  • Fewer blanket "no pets" policies, as landlords must justify refusals.
  • More opportunities to find suitable housing for families with pets.
  • Greater financial responsibility—tenants must ensure they can afford potential pet-related repairs.


What This Means for Landlords

Landlords will still have control over whether pets are allowed, but they will need to provide reasonable justifications for refusals. They also benefit from:

  • Increased financial protection with pet bonds.
  • Clearer tenant responsibilities, ensuring damages are covered.
  • Potential for longer tenancy agreements, as tenants with pets tend to stay in homes longer.



These proposed reforms aim to create a fairer rental market, balancing the needs of both landlords and tenants. For pet owners, the changes represent a step toward a more inclusive rental market, where they no longer have to choose between their homes and their furry companions.



If you're a tenant with a pet or a landlord considering pet-friendly rentals, now is the time to stay informed and prepare for these upcoming changes in the rental market.

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