Pets in Rental Properties: Should Landlords Say Yes or No?

No, blanket no pets policies are no longer acceptable under New Zealand law. Since the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 took effect in late 2025, landlords must consider each pet request individually and can only decline based on specific reasonable grounds. If you refuse, you must provide a written explanation, which tenants can challenge at the Tenancy Tribunal.

A pet bond is a specific provision up to two weeks rent to cover potential pet-related damage. However, it must be included within the total four-week bond cap, not charged on top of the standard bond. If no pet damage occurs, the pet bond portion must be refunded in full at the end of the tenancy along with the regular bond.

Reasonable refusal grounds include property size and suitability for the specific pet, inadequate fencing or containment facilities, health and safety concerns, body corporate rules prohibiting pets, and the tenants history of non-compliance with tenancy obligations. You cannot refuse simply because you prefer not to allow pets - there must be a specific, justifiable reason.

Pet-owning tenants often stay longer as finding pet-friendly rentals is difficult, reducing your vacancy and turnover costs. Pet-friendly properties are in high demand, and tenants may pay premium rent for them. Tenants with pets often feel greater responsibility for their home, leading to better property care. Consider this as part of your overall [landlord strategy](/blog/the-top-fears-landlords-have-about-tenants-and-how-to-manage-them).

Pets can cause damage beyond normal wear including scratched doors, chewed skirting boards, and urine-stained carpets. Pet odours and allergens may linger, reducing appeal to future tenants. Noise complaints commonly arise with dogs, particularly in apartments. Additionally, tenants may fail to follow agreed pet conditions. Ensure you have comprehensive [landlord insurance](/blog/landlord-insurance-nz-guide) that covers pet-related damage.

Landlords can set reasonable conditions such as requiring professional carpet cleaning at tenancy end, restraining pets during property inspections, maintaining flea and worm treatments, keeping dogs on leads in common areas, and limiting pet numbers or sizes. These conditions should be documented in writing and agreed to before the tenancy begins.

When [screening tenants with pets](/blog/how-to-screen-tenants-nz-landlord-guide), ask about the pets breed, size, age, and temperament. Request references from previous landlords specifically regarding the pet. Consider meeting the pet if possible. Check that any dog is registered with the local council and that vaccination and treatment records are current.

No, pet damage is not considered normal wear and tear and tenants are liable for repair costs. Under the new legislation, tenants will be explicitly held liable for all pet-related damage. This includes scratches, stains, odours, and any damage to gardens or outdoor areas. The pet bond can be used toward these repairs if insufficient, you can claim additional costs through the Tenancy Tribunal.