New Pet-Friendly Tenancy Rules to Give Renters More Choice from 2025

From 1 December 2025, New Zealand tenants with pets will find it easier to secure rental homes, thanks to major reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) confirmed today by Housing Minister Chris Bishop, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka.

The long-awaited reforms will introduce pet bonds and new rules that balance the rights of tenants and landlords — a move the Government says will make renting fairer, more flexible, and more reflective of modern family life.

A "Pawsitive" Step for Renters and Landlords

"These reforms are a win-win for tenants and landlords and are a pawsitive step forward," said Housing Minister Chris Bishop. "Pets are part of the family for many households — around 64 per cent of Kiwi homes include at least one animal. Anyone who's tried to find a pet-friendly rental knows how ruff it can be."

Under the changes, tenants will still need a landlord's consent to keep a pet, but landlords will only be able to withhold consent on reasonable grounds. This means tenants will no longer face automatic or arbitrary refusals simply for wanting to keep an animal in their home.

The centrepiece of the reforms is the introduction of a pet bond system, managed through Tenancy Services. This new system will:

• Allow landlords and tenants to lodge a pet bond of up to two weeks' rent, in addition to the general tenancy bond.

• Enable bonds to be added to existing tenancies when a new pet is introduced.

• Permit top-ups if rent increases.

• Facilitate refunds when a pet leaves the property.

"This change provides confidence for landlords while giving tenants a fair shot at securing homes that welcome their furry companions," Bishop said.

Reducing Barriers for Pet Owners

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour said the policy will fix a long-standing imbalance in the rental market that leaves many pet owners struggling to find accommodation.

"There are tenants out there to whom what matters is being able to live in their preferred home with their very good boy," Seymour said. "More landlords would be willing to allow pets if they could protect themselves from some of the risks. This policy does exactly that."

Seymour added that the new rules could have life-changing benefits for victims of domestic violence, who often face barriers when trying to relocate with their pets.

"Too often, people stay in unsafe relationships because they fear for their pets or can't find a rental that allows them to bring those pets along," he said. "Helping these people find rentals that are accepting of animals will allow them to move on safely and have a brighter future."

A Fair and Balanced Framework

The Government says the reforms strike a balance between tenant rights and property protection, ensuring that landlords can maintain their assets while tenants gain the freedom to keep pets responsibly.

Under the new legislation:

• Landlords can only refuse pets on reasonable grounds, such as property type, size, or existing damage concerns.

• Tenants will be fully liable for pet-related damage beyond normal wear and tear.

• Tenancy Services will modernise its systems to process pet bond lodgements, top-ups, and refunds, while providing updated guidance and templates to landlords and tenants ahead of the reforms taking effect.

"These are practical, balanced solutions that support both renters and property owners," said Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. "They make it easier for landlords to say yes while giving tenants the certainty they need to settle with their pets."

Supporting a Modern Rental Market

Minister Potaka said the initiative is part of the Government's broader plan to create a fairer, well-functioning rental market that reflects modern living patterns and social realities.

"Supporting people to find a pet-friendly rental home is part of our plan to ensure housing policy works for everyone — young renters, families, and landlords alike," he said.

"The changes reflect our focus on trust and fairness — encouraging landlords to open their doors to more tenants, and giving those tenants confidence that they can build a home where they feel secure."

The Government will release detailed regulatory guidance later in 2025 to help landlords prepare for the transition. The Tenancy Services portal will also undergo updates to handle pet bond payments and simplify compliance.

Widespread Support from Renters' Advocates and Property Groups

Early responses from both tenant and landlord representatives have been largely positive. Renters United has welcomed the reforms, calling them "a common-sense step that acknowledges pets as family members," while Property Investors Federation leaders have said that pet bonds will "reduce risk and uncertainty" for landlords.

The combination of increased flexibility, better risk management, and clear liability rules is expected to encourage more property owners to list rentals as pet-friendly — easing pressure on thousands of tenants who have previously been excluded from the market.

Looking Ahead

From December 2025, the pet bond system will be live across New Zealand, marking a milestone in the evolution of rental policy. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will monitor implementation to ensure fairness and efficiency for all parties.

"These changes are about creating a rental market that reflects how New Zealanders actually live," Bishop said. "Pets are family — and now our rental laws will finally recognise that reality."