The Nesto Know-How

Fur real, it’s going to happen! The new pet rules for New Zealand rentals are coming— and here at Nesto, we’re wagging our tails about it.

So, you’ve got an investment property — congrats! You’re officially a property investor. But before you start thinking it’s all smooth sailing, let’s talk reality. Managing a rental yourself sounds straightforward… until your tenant calls at midnight about a burst pipe or a “mystery smell” coming from the dishwasher.

You’ve probably heard about the Healthy Homes Standards — the rules making sure rental properties are warm, dry, and snug as a well-feathered nest. They’re not new anymore — they’re here, live, and in full swing.

2025 has been a year of resets and reality checks for New Zealand’s rental market — and as we look toward 2026, it’s clear that the days of “set and forget” property investing are over. Renting in Aotearoa is evolving fast: tenants are savvier, regulations are firmer, and quality homes are no longer just a nice-to-have — they’re the baseline.

Raising the rent can feel a bit like tiptoeing through your nest late at night—awkward, necessary, and best done with a plan. For landlords, the question isn’t if you might raise rent, but when you should and how much is fair.

Owning a rental property sounds like a dream, right? Passive income, long-term growth, a tidy little investment perched nicely in your portfolio. But talk to any seasoned landlord, and you’ll quickly hear: it’s not all smooth nesting.

Thinking about adding another rental property to your portfolio? It’s an exciting idea — but as any seasoned investor knows, it’s not just about buying more bricks and mortar.

If you’re a landlord, you’ve probably faced the big rental question: fixed-term or periodic tenancy? It’s the property world’s version of “Netflix or Disney+” — both great, but they suit different people.