Changes are coming to the Residential Tenancies Act that will make it easier for tenants to have pets, while also giving landlords more clarity and protection. The new rules will set out how tenants can request pets, when landlords can say no, and how pet bonds will work.

Landlords will be allowed to charge an extra pet bond to cover any pet-related damage. Tenants will have unlimited liability for that damage, meaning landlords can claim costs through the bond or the Tenancy Tribunal. This should give landlords more confidence when saying yes to pets, especially since most insurance policies don’t cover pet damage.

Landlords will still be able to refuse a pet, but only for reasonable reasons—for example, if there’s a body corporate rule against pets or if the property simply isn’t suitable (Kiwi habitat near Mt Tamahunga?). The main aim is to find fair ways to make it work rather than default to no. Reasonable conditions might include things like end-of-tenancy flea treatment (To be confirmed if this will be permitted), keeping pets out of certain rooms, end of tenancy carpet cleans or requiring a fenced area.

If a pet becomes destructive or a nuisance, landlords can still issue a notice to remedy or take the issue to the Tenancy Tribunal. Regular inspections before, during, and after a pet tenancy are recommended so both sides are clear on property condition.

MBIE hasn’t announced a start date yet, but it’s a good idea to start thinking about your approach now—what kinds of pets you’d allow, what conditions make sense for your properties, and how you’ll handle pet-related maintenance.

The goal of these changes is simple: make it easier for good tenants with pets to rent while giving landlords fair tools to manage their risk. Good communication, good records, and clear expectations will make all the difference.