We’ve pulled together five facts - some useful, some surprising, and some just good to know - to help you navigate the new world of pets in rentals with confidence.
1.“No pets” is no longer the simple answer it used to be
Under the new rules, landlords can no longer apply a blanket "no pets" policy.
From December 2025, you’ll need to:
-
Consider each pet request individually, and
- Decline only on reasonable grounds (e.g., body corporate rules, unsuitable property type, serious allergy concerns, etc.).
You can still refuse pets - but only where the refusal can be objectively justified.
Can you still put “no pets” in your listing?
Technically, yes. There’s no law banning the wording.
But here’s the catch:
Using hardline “no pets” language can potentially attract unwanted attention from Tenancy Compliance (TCIT), media, advocacy groups, or even lead to disputes later - especially if the grounds for refusal aren’t clear.
Consider a softer approach. Use “Pets considered”, “Pets by negotiation” ,“Pet requests assessed on a case-by-case basis". This keeps you compliant and avoids unnecessary scrutiny.
2. You now have a new tool: the pet bond
Landlords will be able to request a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent.
This is in addition to the general bond (up to four weeks).
It’s designed to give landlords added protection, especially for damage caused by pets - something the current general bond alone often can’t fully cover.
You can also apply reasonable pet-related conditions, such as:
- Pet kept outdoors
- Professional carpet clean at the end of tenancy
- Limit on number/type of pets
- Additional inspections for pet welfare or property care
These conditions must be fair and clearly documented in the tenancy agreement.
Existing tenants can ask to keep a pet: Landlords must respond in writing within 21 days.
3. Insurance cover isn’t changing (but understanding it matters more than ever)
Many landlords assume insurers will rewrite their policies because of the new pet rules. Not true.
Most landlord insurance - including cover from our partner initio - already covers sudden and accidental pet damage in the same way they cover other types of accidental damage. Initio’s rental policy has no specific exclusion for pet damage, though each insurer is different.
Landlord obligations also stay the same:
- Complete regular inspections (with photos and notes)
-
Select tenants carefully
- Collect proper bond
- Monitor rent payments
- Act promptly when breaches occur
The new law doesn’t affect these requirements.
Still, the pet bond becomes useful here:
If pet damage occurs, you may recover costs directly from the pet bond without needing to claim through insurance.
And if things escalate, remember! Always speak to your insurer before filing a Tribunal application about pet damage - doing so early helps protect their recovery rights.
4. WINZ Bond Grants won’t always cover the pet bond
This is one of the most important and least known implications of the new rules.
From 1 December 2025, Work and Income (WINZ) can still help tenants with:
-
General bond (up to 4 weeks), and
-
Pet bond (up to 2 weeks)
BUT: They can only pay a maximum of 4 weeks in total, or the amount the landlord requires - whichever is less.
This creates two common scenarios:
Scenario 1: Tenant needs 4 weeks general bond + 2 weeks pet bond
WINZ can cover only 4 weeks total, leaving 2 weeks (the pet bond) payable by the tenant.
Scenario 2: Tenant needs 2 weeks general bond + 2 weeks pet bond
WINZ can pay all 4 weeks.
This will affect affordability for some tenants - especially those with limited savings and pets - so landlords should be prepared for more upfront questions about bond flexibility.
5. Tenants remain fully liable for all pet damage
Even though pet consent rules are softening, tenant liability is not.
Tenants will continue to be fully liable for:
- Any pet damage
- Beyond fair wear and tear
- Whether or not a pet bond has been collected
Everyone on the tenancy agreement can be held liable for pet-related damage, not just the pet owner.
The pet bond only changes how easily landlords can recover the cost, not who is responsible.
While media stories love a good pet disaster example, the reality is New Zealand is one of the highest pet-owning nations, and many great tenants are simply being filtered out by old “no pets” rules. By assessing pets case by case, setting clear conditions, and using the pet bond where appropriate, landlords can embrace change without taking on unnecessary risk.
The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law in New Zealand. If you require legal advice, you should seek independent legal counsel. myRent.co.nz does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.
