If a tenant wants to start keeping a pet on or after 1 December 2025, they must request a pet consent. If the landlord approves, they can set certain conditions the tenant has to meet, for example to pay a pet bond. If the landlord declines, they must have a valid reason.
If a tenant started keeping a pet before 1 December 2025, there are different rules that apply to them.
If a landlord declines a pet consent request, they must have a valid reason. If they do not have one, they could receive a financial penalty. A valid reason is called reasonable grounds.
Examples of reasonable grounds
Reasonable grounds could be that:
- the property is not suitable for the pet
- there are legal restrictions
- the tenant has not met the animal bylaws
- the pet is not suitable for the property
- the tenant does not meet pet consent conditions.
The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 does not explain what is meant by a reasonable ground. This means the landlord needs to apply logic and fairness when declining a pet consent request. The landlord could have 1 or more reasonable grounds.
The property is not suitable for the pet
In some cases, the nature of the property will not be suitable for the type of pet, for example, if:
- the property is too small
- there is little to no fencing
- the property has unique features that would be difficult to repair if damaged by a pet
- the property has unique features that make keeping a pet risky or impractical.
Legal restrictions
Sometimes pets are not legally allowed at the property. This could be due to:
- local authority rules, bylaws or regulations, for example, local or regional council
- body corporate rules
- cross-lease agreements.
The tenant has not met the animal bylaws
The tenant must meet the relevant animal bylaws for their pet. Bylaws could include:
- pet registration
- microchipping
- desexing
- containment requirements.
Each local council can have different rules. Tenants should check their local bylaws and make sure they meet them.
Pet is not suitable for the property
It can be that the pet is not suitable for the property due to:
- too many pets for the property
- the size, type or breed of the pet
- the pet’s potential to cause damage or disrupt neighbours
- the pet is classified as dangerous or menacing under the Dog Control Act 1996.
Tenant does not meet pet consent conditions
The landlord can decline a pet consent application if:
- the tenant has not met a reasonable pet consent condition in the past
- the tenant does not agree to meet reasonable pet consent conditions set by the landlord.
Dog Control Act 1996 — NZ Legislation
If a tenant thinks a reason is not valid
We recommend the tenant talks to the landlord to try and reach an agreement.
If you cannot reach an agreement, the tenant can apply for mediation or to the Tenancy Tribunal. Before applying, we suggest you gather evidence to prove your case. For example, council records or references from previous landlords.
If the landlord declines without reasonable grounds
If a landlord does not have reasonable grounds, they could receive a penalty of up to $1,500.
For fixed-term tenancies, notice periods and end dates are set out in the tenancy agreement. However, recent law changes mean fixed-term agreements now convert to periodic unless both parties agree otherwise.
Make pets living inside rental properties stress-free — Rentall manages the entire process for you. Learn more by navigating our website or contacting us today.
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