Pet bonds announced to support Tenants finding Pet friendly rental properties

Date: 23 Apr 2024

The government has announced it intends changing the Residential Tenancies Act next month in support of providing pet owners with more choice when trying to find a rental property. Landlords will be able to charge an additional Pet bond under amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act to be introduced to the house for consultation in May.

• Introduction of a Pet bond; landlords will be able set a maximum two-week pet bond and obligations on top of the existing bond charged
• Tenants will be held liable for pet damage to properties beyond fair wear and tear whether accidental or deliberate 
• Requiring tenants can only have a pet or pets with the landlord's consent. The landlord can withhold consent on reasonable grounds.

Housing Minister Chris Bishop "Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It's estimated that around 64 percent of New Zealand households own at least one pet, and 59 percent of people who don't have a pet would like to get one," Bishop said. "Anyone who has ever tried to find a pet-friendly rental property will know how hard it is, so we're going to make it easier."

As with any Pet at Harcourts Reforma we do always request Pet references – that’s right, these do exist ????