Understanding the New Pet Bond Rules: Key Updates for Landlords (Effective 1 December 2025)

From 1 December 2025, updates to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 will introduce a new pet bond system, allowing landlords to request an additional bond of up to two weeks’ rent when approving tenants with pets. The reform aims to make renting with pets easier for tenants while giving landlords greater financial protection against pet-related damage.

Key Points for Landlords

Here’s an overview of how the new pet bond rules will work for landlords and property investors:

• Tenants must obtain written consent and agree to any reasonable conditions, such as paying a pet bond.

• Landlords must respond to a pet request within 21 days.

• Landlords may request a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent, in addition to the standard tenancy bond (which remains capped at four weeks).

• The pet bond is lodged with Tenancy Services just like the regular bond.

• For new tenancies where pets are part of the agreement, the pet bond can be requested at the start.

• For existing tenancies, if a tenant wishes to introduce a pet, a pet bond top‑up may be requested.

• No change for tenants who already have pets, including when their current tenancy is renewed.

• When the pet leaves the property, the pet bond can be refunded to the tenant, assuming no damage or outstanding liability.

When Can Landlords Say 'No' to Pets

While landlords can no longer include blanket “no pets” clauses, they can still decline a pet request if there are reasonable grounds to decline. Examples of reasonable grounds include:

• The property is unsuitable for the pet's size or type (e.g., lack of fencing)

• Body corporate or council bylaws prohibit pets

• The pet has a history of damage or misconduct

Conditions You Can Set When Approving a Pet

Consent applies only to the specific pet approved. Reasonable conditions can include:

• Requiring payment of a pet bond

• Requiring the pet to be restrained during lawful landlord visits (e.g., inspections)

• Requiring professional carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy

Who Is Liable for Pet Damage Under The New Pet Bond Rules?

Tenants are now explicitly fully liable for pet‑related damage beyond normal wear and tear, even if they are not the owner of the pet. This covers all damage arising from keeping a pet, not just direct damage caused by the animal itself.

It remains vital for landlords to thoroughly document the property’s condition, supported by detailed entry and exit inspections and clearly worded tenancy agreements that include pet-related clauses.

What This Means for Investors & Landlords

For property owners, these changes carry both risk and opportunity:

1.     Opportunities for Landlords:

• With around 64% of NZ households owning pets, being pet‑friendly could help properties stand out in a competitive market.

• Added financial protection: the pet bond offers a buffer against damage that might previously have been difficult to claim.

• Market differentiation: advertising your property as “pet‑friendly (with pet bond)” can attract quality tenants.

2.      Responsibilities and Risks:

• Clear pet policies are needed - specify what types of pets are permitted and outline cleaning or professional carpet‑cleaning requirements.

• Review your landlord insurance to ensure you’re covered for pet‑related damage.

• Document property condition thoroughly - entry and exit inspections, photographs, and clear tenancy agreements are essential.

Preparing Your Portfolio for 1 December

To make the transition smooth and stay compliant with the new rules, landlords should:

• Update tenancy agreements and include clauses to reflect the new pet bond rules.

• Communicate early with existing tenants about the changes and what they mean in practice.

• Ensure you have processes in place to lodge, top‑up or refund pet bonds via Tenancy Services.

• Review your insurance policies to confirm that pet damage is covered.

Final Thoughts

The new pet bond regime marks a meaningful shift for NZ’s rental sector. For landlords and investors in the Wellington region, this isn’t just a compliance exercise — it’s an opportunity to broaden your tenant appeal, reduce barriers to letting, and manage risk in a more transparent way. With the right approach and policies, allowing pets can become a competitive differentiator rather than a worry.

If you’d like to review how this could apply to one of your properties, or need help updating your tenancy documentation or insurance checklist, talk to our friendly team at Quinovic Kent Terrace, Johnsonville & Hutt Valley — we’re here to help you navigate the changes with confidence.

Quinovic Johnsonville | Wellington

Call Allistair Verschoor - 022 571 5900

Quinovic Hutt Valley | Wellington

Call Helen Vance - 027 487 8103

Quinovic Kent Terrace | Wellington

Call Jordan Atkinson - 027 297 0873

If you would like to chat about the possibility of working together, or to receive a no-obligation, FREE Rental Appraisal get in touch with our team today.

Quinovic Wellington Property Management