NZ’s New Pet Rules Are Coming to Stay (and Play!)
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.
Whether you’re a landlord trying to stay paw-sitive or a tenant hoping to bring your furry friend along, here’s what you need to know about the upcoming paws and effect laws.
The Short Version (A.K.A. The Fetch Notes) for the New Pet Rules
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Tenants will need to get written consent before bringing a pet home.
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Landlords will need to have good reason to say no.
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Landlords will have 21 days to respond.
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A pet bond (up to 2 weeks’ rent) will be able to be charged.
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Tenants will need to pay for any pet damage beyond wear and tear.
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Fines apply for rule-breakers.
Pet Consent: Ask, and You Might Receive
Under the new rules, every tenant will need to get written permission from their landlord before adding a four-legged roommate.
Landlords, you can’t just say “no” because you’re feline grumpy — you need reasonable grounds, like property unsuitability or local by-laws.
And if you don’t respond within 21 days? That’s a no-no worth up to $1,500 in fines. So reply faster than a golden retriever chasing a tennis ball.
Pet Bonds: A Little Extra Cushion for Claws and Paws Under the New Pet Rules
Yes, landlords will be able to ask for a pet bond — up to two weeks’ rent, in addition to the standard bond.
This helps cover any pet-related damage (because accidents happen, even to good doggos). The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) manages these bonds, just like regular ones.
At Nesto, we call this the “peace-of-mind paws-it” — a small price to pay for happy tails and tidy homes.
If you’re a landlord with Nesto here’s what you need to know about the new pet rules for New Zealand rentals
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Expect to review your standard tenancy agreements and any pet-clauses you currently use, and update them for when the law takes effect.
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When a tenant requests to keep a pet, you’ll need to triage: Is the property suitable? Are there by-laws (like body corporate rules) that restrict animals? If yes, you may have reasonable grounds to decline — but you must respond within 21 days.
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If you approve a pet, you will be able to set reasonable conditions (e.g., carpet cleaning at end of tenancy if pet allowed indoors).
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You will be able to charge a pet bond (up to two weeks’ rent) in addition to the ordinary bond — but only once the law is in effect.
