The new tenancy laws regarding pets in NZ are set to take effect in late 2025, and they mark one of the biggest changes to landlord rights in recent years. Under the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act (RTAA 2024), tenants will gain the right to request a pet, and landlords will no longer be able to issue a blanket “no pets” rule.
That doesn’t mean landlords lose control – but it does mean policies, agreements, insurance, and processes must be updated now. Those who prepare early will stay protected. Those who don’t may face fines, disputes, or uninsurable damage later.
This guide breaks down what landlords should do now, before the law changes.
Table of Contents
1. Update Your Tenancy Agreement Before the Law Takes Effect
Most current tenancy agreements still include wording like “No pets permitted.”
Under the new law, this will be considered unlawful. Your agreement should now include:
- A pet request and approval process
A clear definition of what counts as a pet
Conditions for approval (cleaning, carpet treatment, etc.)
A clause covering pet-related liability and damage
Reference to pet bonds (if you plan to charge one)
Pro Tip: If you’re with 360, we will automatically update all agreements on your behalf – no legal rewriting required.
2. Check Your Insurance Policy (Most Don't Automatically Cover Pets)
Once the law changes, tenants become fully liable for pet-related damage – but landlords still need appropriate insurance cover.
Ask your insurer:
Does my current policy cover pet damage?
Are there any excluded breeds or animal types?
Do I need proof of a pet clause in the tenancy agreement?
Will premiums change once pets are officially allowed?
If the insurer can’t answer clearly, it may be time to review your options.
Warning: If you approve a pet without the right insurance, you may not be covered for damage – even if the tenant is “liable.”
3. Set Your Pet Decision Criteria Before Requests Start Coming In
Once the new tenancy laws take effect, landlords must assess each pet request case-by-case – not emotionally, not based on personal preference.
Valid reasons to decline:
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Reasonable grounds
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Examples
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Body Corporate Rules
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Apartment complex doesn’t allow pets
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Property risk
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No fencing, steep drop, shared outdoor space
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Safety
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Dog breed with documented aggression history
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Overcrowding
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Two large dogs in a one-bedroom unit
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Tenant Histroy
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Past damage, tenancy breaches, unpaid rent
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Invalid reasons to decline:
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Not allowed
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Why
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"I don't want pets in my rental"
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Personal preference no longer counts
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"Pets cause damage"
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Law assumes conditions & pet bonds prevent this
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"Too much hassle"
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Must have valid, written grounds
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"No pets, end of story"
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Blanket bands become unlawful and can lead to fines
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Refusing a pet without valid grounds can lead to exemplary damages of up to $1,500 per breach
4. Decide If You Will Charge a Pet Bond
The new law allows landlords to charge a separate pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent — in addition to the standard four-week tenancy bond.
This is optional, but strongly recommended if you plan to approve pets.
Key rules landlords need to know:
Maximum amount: Up to 2 weeks’ rent
Charged per tenancy, not per pet
Must be lodged with Tenancy Services (same as standard bond)
Can be adjusted if rent increases
Cannot be charged for assistance dogs or pets already at the property before the law takes effect
Pro Tip: A pet bond only applies to new pets approved after the law change – existing pets are exempt.
5. Create (or Request) a Formal Pet Application Form
Tenants will need to apply in writing to keep a pet — which means landlords will need a structured process, not a casual “text me the details.”
Your application form should request:
Type, breed, age, and weight of pet
Evidence of desexing, training & vaccinations
Where the pet will live (inside / outside)
Emergency contact details
References from past landlords (if applicable)
6. Plan Your Inspection Strategy for Pet-Approved Properties
Once a pet is approved, landlords need clear documentation to protect themselves if damage occurs.
Best practice:
Do an entry condition report with photos
First follow-up inspection 6–8 weeks after the pet arrives
Ongoing routine inspections every 3 months
Photograph flooring, skirting boards, doors, lawns, and carpet edges
Consistent evidence is the best defence in a Tribunal dispute.
7. If You Self-Manage, Prepare for More Admin — or Outsource It
Self-managing landlords, be aware – pet requests won’t just be a “yes or no” question anymore. They come with:
Approval deadlines
Conditions wording
Additional bond handling
Inspection documentation
Proof of “reasonable decision making”
Tribunal liability if handled incorrectly
If you don’t want more admin, 360 can manage:
- All pet applications
- Approval or decline wording
- Bond handling and documentation
- Insurance alignment
- Inspection scheduling and reports
What Happens If You Don't Prepare?
- Illegal clauses in your agreement
- Fines for refusing pets without valid grounds
- Tribunal disputes you can’t defend
- Insurance denied due to non-compliant paperwork
- Tenants bypassing you and going straight to the Tribunal
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — until the new law takes effect. After that, pet approvals must be assessed case by case.
No — that is a breach of tenancy, and enforcement action can be taken.
No. Existing pets are exempt from pet bonds and do not need new approval.
No. Weekly surcharges/rent loading will be unlawful — only a pet bond is permitted.
Need Help Before the Law Changes?
We’re happy to answer your questions and show how we can help you navigate these changes. Get in touch to:
- Update your agreements
- Handle all pet requests & approvals
- Lodge and manage pet bonds
- Complete documented inspections
- Ensure you stay legally compliant
For general inquiries or more information, please email 360pm.nz@raywhite.com. If you are an existing client needing assistance, please submit a request through our Client Portal or call (09) 636 7355.
