Everything landlords need to know about New Zealand’s new rental pet laws coming into force on 1 December 2025.
13 November 2025
New pet rules are coming into effect on 1 December 2025, bringing significant changes to how pets are approved and how pet-related damage is handled in rental properties. The aim is to make renting more accessible for responsible pet owners while giving landlords clearer protection and pathways to recover costs when damage occurs. The biggest shift is that landlords can no longer issue a blanket “no pets” rule — decisions now need to be based on reasonable grounds, and pet bonds may be collected to help safeguard your investment. This guide explains what the changes mean for you as a landlord and how we’ll support you through the transition.