What New Zealand’s 2025 Pet Bond Rules Really Mean
11/21/20253 min read
From 1 December 2025, significant changes to tenancy law in New Zealand will make it easier for renters to have pets in their homes — and give landlords more protection from pet-related damage. These reforms could reshape how “pet-friendly” rentals work in practice.
What’s Changing?
Pet Bond Allowed
Under the new rules, landlords can require a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent, on top of the regular general bond. (Ministry of Housing & Urban Development, 2025)Written Consent Required
Tenants must receive written permission from the landlord to keep a pet. Landlords are only allowed to refuse on reasonable grounds (for example, unsuitable property conditions, local bylaws, or size/fencing restrictions). (Ministry of Housing & Urban Development, 2025; Residential Tenancies Amendment Act, 2024)Liability for Damage
Tenants will be fully responsible for pet-related damage that goes beyond “fair wear and tear.” (Ministry of Housing & Urban Development, 2025)Managing the Bond
The new bond system (operated by MBIE) will let landlords and tenants lodge, top up, and refund a pet bond. (Ministry of Housing & Urban Development, 2025)
Although there are two amounts (general bond + pet bond), there will be one bond record clearly listing both parts. (Ministry of Housing & Urban Development, 2025)
Exemptions
Disability assist dogs are excluded from these pet bond and consent rules: landlords cannot charge a pet bond or refuse them. (Tenancy Services, 2025; Residential Tenancies Amendment Act, 2024)Existing Pets
If a pet was already living in a rental before 1 December 2025 (and was allowed), the landlord cannot demand a new pet bond or consent for that pet. (Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 Commencement Order, 2025)
Why These Changes Are Being Made
The reforms aim to increase rental access for pet owners, who have historically found it hard to secure “pet-friendly” homes. (Ministry of Housing & Urban Development, 2025)
At the same time, they give landlords reassurance: with the pet bond and clearer rules, they can better manage the risk of damage. (Tenancy Services, 2025)
The changes also support vulnerable renters, such as people who rely on assistance animals. (Summary of Changes, Tenancy Services, 2025)
Challenges & Considerations
For Tenants:
Coming up with the extra two weeks of rent for the pet bond could be difficult for some.
They’ll need to be careful to avoid damage that could be claimed as “beyond fair wear and tear.”
Understanding exactly what counts as “reasonable grounds” for refusal or conditions may require negotiation.
For Landlords:
They need to update tenancy agreements to include the pet bond, consent terms, and any conditions.
They must decide what “reasonable conditions” to impose (e.g., carpet cleaning, size of pet). (Property Brokers, 2025)
Using the new MBIE bond system means learning new administrative processes.
System-wide:
There may be legal tests: what counts as “reasonable” when refusing a pet may go to the Tenancy Tribunal.
The bond system will have more money flowing through it, so Bond Hub operations are critical.
The way these rules are interpreted early on could set important precedents.
The 1 December 2025 pet bond changes in New Zealand represent a major shift in how pets are treated in the rental market. They give tenants more opportunity to find homes with their pets — while also giving landlords a structured way to manage risk. As these rules come into effect, clear communication, fair conditions, and good documentation will be vital for both sides to make it work smoothly.
References
Ministry of Housing & Urban Development. (2025, October 29). Pet-friendly tenancy rules begin on 1 December 2025. HUD.
Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024, No. 52. (2024). New Zealand Legislation.
Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 Commencement Order 2025, SL 2025/237. (2025). New Zealand Legislation.
Tenancy Services. (2025, October 29). New pet rules in effect from 1 December 2025.
Tenancy Services. (2025, August 18). New pet rules for rentals coming soon – what landlords and tenants need to know.
Tenancy Services. (2025). Pet rules effective from 1 December 2025.
Tenancy Services. (2025). Summary of changes: Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024.
Property Brokers. (2025). Pet-friendly tenancy rules begin on 1 December 2025