NZ GVT Revised Residential Tenancies Act

Published on: Nov 2, 2025

On Oct. 29, NZ GVT said tenants will be able to lodge pet bonds.

  • NZ GVT said amendments to the Residential tenancies act will allow tenants to lodge pet bonds of up to two weeks’ rent in addition to regular tenancy bonds.
  • Amendments Overview
  • Aims to give renters with pets greater access to rental housing while protecting landlords from potential damage risks.
  • Tenants must obtain landlord consent to keep pets, which can only be withheld on reasonable grounds; landlords may charge a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent, in addition to the standard tenancy bond.
  • Tenants are liable for all pet-related damage beyond normal wear and tear; tenancy services will manage lodgment, top-ups, and refunds of pet bonds and issue updated forms and guidance.
  • Effectiveness
  • The amendments are effective from Dec. 1, 2025.
Regulators
NZ GVT
Entity Types
Corp
Reference
PR 10/29/2025
Functions
Compliance; Financial; Legal; Risk
Countries
New Zealand
Category
State
N/A
Products
Corporate
Rule Type
Final
Regions
AP
Rule Date
Oct 29, 2025
Effective Date
Dec 1, 2025
Rule ID
274192
Linked to
N/A
Reg. Last Update
Oct 29, 2025
Report Section
International