New Pet Laws in NZ: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants
The Introduction:
Finding a "pet-friendly" rental in New Zealand has historically been a challenge. However, the landscape is shifting. Parliament has passed updates to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, introducing new regulations that make it easier for tenants to live with pets while providing landlords with stronger protections.
While the exact commencement date is awaiting an Order in Council, these changes are expected to come into force later this year. At Rent My Property, we are helping our owners stay ahead of these legal shifts.
Finding a "pet-friendly" rental in New Zealand has historically been a challenge. However, the landscape is shifting. Parliament has passed updates to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, introducing new regulations that make it easier for tenants to live with pets while providing landlords with stronger protections.
While the exact commencement date is awaiting an Order in Council, these changes are expected to come into force later this year. At Rent My Property, we are helping our owners stay ahead of these legal shifts.
Key Changes:
- The Right to Request: Tenants will have a formal legal right to request consent to keep a pet.
- No Blanket Bans: Landlords can no longer have a "no pets" policy. Each request must be considered individually.
- The 21-Day Rule: Once a formal request is made, landlords must respond within 21 days. Consent cannot be "unreasonably withheld."
Landlord Protections:
To balance the scales, the new legislation introduces safeguards for property owners. Landlords will be permitted to set specific, reasonable conditions, including:
To balance the scales, the new legislation introduces safeguards for property owners. Landlords will be permitted to set specific, reasonable conditions, including:
- Pet Bonds: A specific pet bond (on top of the standard bond) to cover potential damage.
- Hygiene Clauses: Requirements for professional carpet cleaning or pest control at the end of the tenancy.
When Can You Say No?
Identifying "Reasonable Grounds" for RefusalNot every property is suitable for every animal. You can still decline a request if there are property-specific factors, such as:
Identifying "Reasonable Grounds" for RefusalNot every property is suitable for every animal. You can still decline a request if there are property-specific factors, such as:
- Safety Hazards: The garden contains toxic plants (e.g., daffodils) or the property is not securely fenced.
- Suitability: The home lacks outdoor space for a large dog or has shared common areas.
- Legal Restrictions: Body Corporate rules, council bylaws, or covenants that prohibit animals.
- Insurance: Your specific insurance policy excludes coverage for pet-related damage.
Are you ready for the change?
At Rent My Property, we are already documenting these property-specific factors for our clients. By identifying risks now, we can manage tenant requests proactively and ensure your investment remains protected.
At Rent My Property, we are already documenting these property-specific factors for our clients. By identifying risks now, we can manage tenant requests proactively and ensure your investment remains protected.