Pets in Rental Homes

If you want to keep a pet in a rental home, start with a written conversation with the landlord or authorised property manager. New Zealand’s pet consent rules changed on 1 December 2025, so the process depends on when the pet was first permitted.

Requesting consent for a new pet

If you already have ongoing consent covering the type and number of pets, a fresh request is not needed within that consent. Otherwise, for a pet you want to start keeping on or after 1 December 2025, request consent in writing. Include the type and number of pets and information about why the property is suitable. The landlord must respond in writing within 21 calendar days, even if they ask for more information.

A landlord can set reasonable conditions if they approve the request. If they decline it, they need reasonable grounds. Keep the request, response and agreed conditions with your tenancy documents. Tenancy Services explains the consent process and provides a request form.

Pet bonds and existing pets

A landlord may charge a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent, in addition to a general bond. Only one pet bond can be charged per tenancy, even where more than one pet is approved. Check the current pet bond rules before paying.

Pets lawfully permitted before 1 December 2025 do not need fresh consent under the new rules, and the landlord cannot add a pet bond or new conditions for those existing pets. Disability assist dogs have separate protections. Read the official guidance for your situation, including relevant local animal rules or body-corporate restrictions.

Who to contact

Send requests to the landlord or manager named in your tenancy agreement. For a property you are considering, speak with the contact on its rental listing. Ray White Mangawhai is a sales office and does not provide property management.

For more local preparation, see our Mangawhai tenant guide. Information checked 6 October 2026; use current Tenancy Services guidance for your circumstances.