PETS IN RENTALS: WHAT LANDLORDS CAN AND CAN’T DO IN 2025

Story Hook:

A landlord recently asked us: “Can I charge an extra pet bond? I’ve had dogs ruin carpets, and I want to protect my investment.” It’s a fair question — and the law is changing. But for now, there are clear rules that every landlord needs to understand.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS (AS OF MID-2025)

• Pet bonds are not yet legal.You cannot charge a separate bond just because a tenant has a pet. The total bond you can collect is still capped at 4 weeks’ rent — and that must cover everything: unpaid rent, damage, cleaning, and more (tenancy.govt.nz).

• No-pet clauses are still allowed in tenancy agreements.However, the Tribunal may question a blanket ban if it’s not reasonable based on the situation or property.

• Tenants are responsible for damage caused by pets that goes beyond fair wear and tear.

But the line between “damage” and “wear” can be blurry without good documentation.

WHAT’S CHANGING (LATER IN 2025)

The government has passed legislation that will soon allow landlords to:

• Request written consent before pets are brought in

• Charge a separate pet bond of up to 2 weeks’ rent (in addition to the standard bond)

• Hold tenants clearly responsible for pet-related damage

👉 These rules are not yet in effect. They will be activated by Order in Council, expected later in 2025 (beehive.govt.nz).

WHAT GOOD NEIGHBOURS RECOMMENDS RIGHT NOW

Until the law changes:

• Don’t advertise or collect a pet bond — even informally

• Include a pet consent clause in your tenancy agreements

• Ask tenants to describe the pet in writing (breed, age, indoor/outdoor habits)

• Record the property’s condition carefully before move-in — especially carpets, lawns, walls, and doors

• If damage occurs, document it with photos, quotes, and timelines — and use the general bond to recover costs

WHEN THE NEW RULES ARRIVE, WE’LL BE READY

Once pet bonds become legal, Good Neighbours will:

• Include 2-week pet bond clauses in new agreements

• Request pet details and written approval from tenants

• Update all entry inspections to reflect pet-specific risk areas

• Hold tenants accountable for any breaches or damage

• Help landlords stay compliant while protecting their assets

FINAL TIPS FOR LANDLORDS

• Always use a written agreement for pet permission

• Make sure your insurance doesn’t exclude pet damage

• Don’t rely on verbal agreements — they’re hard to enforce

• Review and update your tenancy documents ahead of the law change

• Stay close to updates from Tenancy Services and your property manager

Pets are part of modern tenancies — but they don’t have to be a liability.

With the right systems, consent process, and bond structure (once legal), you can welcome good tenants and still protect your investment