New Pet Laws

New pet laws for rental properties will come into force on 1 December 2025 meaning landlords will only be able to refuse tenants’ pets on ‘reasonable grounds’. While there will be built-in protections for landlords so they are covered for any pet-related damage, they should be prepared for pets becoming the norm.

Are rentals suddenly going to be overrun with animals?

No. Keeping a pet is expensive and a whole lot of responsibility; it’s not something people acquire on a whim. However, pets are important to a lot of New Zealanders, so we expect renting will be regarded as a more attractive proposition from 1 December, which is great news for landlords in the longer term. We expect 2026 will be a year of transition, figuring out exactly how landlords can protect their assets and what constitutes reasonable grounds for refusal. Property managers will play a crucial role in supporting landlords during this period of change, particularly when it comes to modifying tenancy agreements and paying close attention to evolving Tenancy Tribunal decisions.

What sort of property is ‘unsuitable’ for pets?

Landlords can only decline a request if the property genuinely cannot cater for the pet’s welfare or safety needs. This isn’t an exact science and there is no precedence yet; this will be established through a body of case law as the Tenancy Tribunal makes rulings on disputes between landlords and tenants. For now, landlords should be aware that having an unfenced property or a small backyard is unlikely to justify refusing a request to keep a pet. Pets in rentals is normal many parts of the world, like Sydney where it’s common to find dogs living happily in urban flats and terrace houses that don’t have private gardens or fenced outdoor areas. Cities all over the world have adapted well to this reality, demonstrating that well-managed pets can thrive in rental properties without traditional backyards.

Will new pet rules apply to existing tenancies or just future tenancies?

Both. Landlords don’t have to proactively inform existing tenants about the new pet laws but should be prepared for a tenant to make a request at any time after this date. They are absolutely within their rights to do this, and landlords must respond in writing within 21 days and be aware that a tenant can dispute a decision directly with the Tenancy Tribunal. If a landlord agrees to their tenant having a pet, the tenancy agreement will need to be updated to reflect the new pet consent and bond requirements.

Should landlords disclose whether their rental is pet-friendly when they next advertise?

While there is always nuance, we suggest landlords are as upfront as possible about a property’s suitability for pets the next time they advertise. This is particularly important if it’s on a cross-lease and has pet prohibitions embedded in the title, as the new laws won't override this.

Final steps: Insurance & Admin

With 1 December fast approaching, both landlords and tenants should familiarise themselves with the new laws if they haven’t already. Landlords, in particular, should check insurance policies, - not all policies cover damage caused by tenants’ pets and some specifically exclude it.

There's a steep learning curve ahead as we all adapt to reality of pets in rentals and we know some landlords feel apprehensive – it's a big change. However, we strongly believe the shift towards pet-inclusive tenancies will foster a more stable and resilient rental market - one where tenants feel truly at home, care for their properties and landlords can enjoy greater security in their investments.