As more Kiwis look to rent with pets, the Government has recognised the need to balance pet ownership with landlords’ rights and property protection. The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 introduces new rules around pets in rental properties — and while these provisions haven’t yet taken effect, they’re on the horizon for late 2025.

Here’s a breakdown of where things stand and what both landlords and tenants should prepare for.

Where Things Sit

The key changes are set out in the new section 18AA – “Pet Bonds” of the Act. These provisions are not yet in force, but are expected to commence in late 2025 by Order in Council.

Once active, landlords will have the right to require a separate pet bond in addition to the general tenancy bond.

What Is a Pet Bond?

A pet bond is a separate payment (of up to two weeks’ rent) that landlords may request when approving a tenant’s pet.

• Only one pet bond can be held at a time, regardless of how many pets live at the property.
• The bond is intended to cover pet-related cleaning or damage beyond fair wear and tear.
• The pet bond can only be applied to pet damage – not to general tenancy issues.
  

Pet Consent: Requests & Reasonable Grounds

Tenants will still need written consent from the landlord before bringing a pet into the property.

Under the new law, landlords must not unreasonably refuse consent. However, there are still reasonable grounds where a refusal or specific conditions are permitted — such as:

• Body corporate or insurance restrictions
• Unsuitable property type (e.g. no outdoor space, polished timber floors)

Landlords may also set reasonable conditions, for example:

• Professional carpet cleaning at the end of tenancy
• Restricting pets from certain areas (like bedrooms)

It’s important to note that disability assist dogs are covered by separate legal protections — these rules do not apply to them.

Amounts, Adjustments & Refunds

• Maximum amount: Up to two weeks’ rent at the time the pet bond is requested.
• If rent changes during the tenancy, the pet bond may be adjusted (either topped up or partially refunded).
• If a pet permanently leaves or passes away, the pet bond must be refunded. A new pet bond can then be requested if another pet is later approved.
  
  

How Pet Bonds Will Be Managed

The Bond Centre will handle pet bonds in the same way as standard tenancy bonds — including lodgement, refund applications, and dispute resolution via Tenancy Services and the Tenancy Tribunal.

Both landlords and tenants should keep clear records such as:

• Entry and exit inspection photos
• Cleaning or repair invoices
• Vet records (if relevant)

Tip for tenants: When applying for a property, consider providing a pet profile with references and a cleaning commitment — this helps build trust and demonstrate responsibility.

Read more Finding a Rental Property with Pets

Examples from the Legislation

• One bond only: If a tenant has consent for three pets, the landlord may still collect only one pet bond (up to two weeks’ rent).
• Change in pets: If the pet leaves permanently, the pet bond is refunded. If a new pet is later approved, a new bond may be requested.
  
  

Timeline & What to Watch

• The legislation passed in 2024, but pet-related provisions await commencement (expected late 2025).
• Tenancy Services and HUD will release detailed guidance closer to that date.
• At Summit Real Estate, we’ll be updating our tenancy documents, systems, and landlord information as soon as final details are confirmed — ensuring we’re ready to go from day one.
  

The upcoming changes are a positive step toward giving more tenants the opportunity to own pets while providing landlords additional reassurance through the pet bond system.

At Summit Property Management, we’ll continue to help our landlords navigate these changes and ensure their investments — and their tenants — are well cared for.

If you have questions about how the new rules might affect your tenancy or investment property, get in touch with your local Summit Property Management team.

Read More Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024

Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 – Status and How It Will Work (as at 10 October 2025). By Stew Henry, Summit Property Management