Pets in NZ Rentals — New Pet Bond Rules (2026)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 created new pet rules, in force from 1 December 2025, which insert a pet-bond regime (new s 18AA) into the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. A tenant can keep a pet where the tenancy agreement allows it or the landlord gives written consent, and a landlord can only refuse on reasonable grounds (and must respond within the set timeframe).
If you have a pet, the landlord may require a pet bond of up to 2 weeks' rent — this is in addition to the normal bond, and only one pet bond can be held at a time. In return, the tenant is fully responsible for pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear. Disability assist dogs are not treated as "pets" for these rules, so they're exempt from the consent and pet-bond requirements. Disputes go to the Tenancy Tribunal.
When does it apply?
- You want to keep a pet in a rental (or already do).
- Your landlord is asking for a pet bond or refusing a pet.
- You have a disability assist dog.
What to do about keeping a pet in your rental
- Ask for pet consent in writing and keep the response.
- Check any pet bond is no more than 2 weeks' rent and lodged with Tenancy Services.
- Challenge an unreasonable refusal at the Tenancy Tribunal.
- If you have a disability assist dog, point out it's exempt from the pet rules.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't pay more than one pet bond or more than 2 weeks' rent for it.
- Don't keep a pet without consent where the agreement requires it — get it in writing first.
- Don't accept a flat "no pets" without a reasonable ground from 1 December 2025.
About Housing Rights in New Zealand
Renting in New Zealand is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA), with the major 2024 amendments changing notice rules from 30 January 2025. Bonds (max 4 weeks' rent) are held by Tenancy Services, not the landlord. Most disputes go to the Tenancy Tribunal (up to $100,000). All private rentals must meet the Healthy Homes Standards (in force since 1 July 2025). Rent can rise only once every 12 months with 60 days' notice.
Tenancy Services: 0800 836 262. Citizens Advice Bureau: 0800 367 222.
Common Questions
What is the pets in rentals right in New Zealand?
The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 created new pet rules, in force from 1 December 2025, which insert a pet-bond regime (new s 18AA) into the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. A tenant can keep a pet where the tenancy agreement allows it or the landlord gives written consent, and a landlord can only refuse on reasonable grounds (and must respond within the set timeframe).If you have a pet, the landlord may require a pet bond of up to 2 weeks' rent — this is in addition to the normal bond, and only one pet bond can be held at a time. In return, the tenant is fully responsible for pet-re...
When does it apply — pets in rentals?
You want to keep a pet in a rental (or already do).Your landlord is asking for a pet bond or refusing a pet.You have a disability assist dog.
Can my landlord charge a pet bond in New Zealand?
Ask for pet consent in writing and keep the response.Check any pet bond is no more than 2 weeks' rent and lodged with Tenancy Services.Challenge an unreasonable refusal at the Tenancy Tribunal.If you have a disability assist dog, point out it's exempt from the pet rules.
What should you NOT do — pets in rentals?
Don't pay more than one pet bond or more than 2 weeks' rent for it.Don't keep a pet without consent where the agreement requires it — get it in writing first.Don't accept a flat "no pets" without a reasonable ground from 1 December 2025.