A large share of Auckland renters search specifically for pet-friendly homes. Landlords who understand the pet consent and pet bond rules can attract long-term tenants who struggle to find good properties, while keeping clear legal protection if a pet causes damage.
How do pet consent rules work in New Zealand?
Tenants must have written consent to keep a pet, unless the tenancy agreement already permits it. When a tenant asks in writing for permission to keep a pet, the landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent and must respond in writing within the statutory timeframe. However, landlords can still say no on reasonable grounds.
- The property is not suitable for the animal (for example, an unfenced section, small apartment or lack of outdoor space for a large dog).
- Body corporate operational rules or local council bylaws prohibit the pet.
- The pet is a high-risk breed, poorly trained, or has a history of nuisance or damage at a previous rental.
- The number or size of animals is unreasonable for the house.
How does the pet bond work?
Alongside the standard 4-week rental bond, landlords who give consent for a pet can require a pet bond of up to 2 weeks' rent. Just like the general bond, the pet bond is lodged with Tenancy Services — never held in a personal bank account.
Landlords can also set reasonable written conditions on pet consent, such as requiring professional carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy where appropriate or keeping a dog outside certain carpeted rooms.
Who pays if a pet damages the property?
Tenants are responsible for pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear. Scratched doors, chewed decking, stained carpets and lawn damage dug up by a dog are not fair wear. When Climber approves a pet with your agreement, we record the exact animal (breed, age, registration and photo) on the tenancy file and take close-up floor, door and garden photos at the ingoing inspection.
During three-monthly routine inspections, our inspectors check for odours, scratching, flea issues and unapproved extra animals. For the full legal framework, read our pets in rentals wiki.
Questions landlords ask us
Can I charge a pet bond on top of the 4-week bond?
Yes. Where a pet is permitted, a pet bond of up to 2 weeks' rent can be required in addition to the standard 4-week bond and lodged with Tenancy Services.
Can I still decline a pet if my property is an apartment?
Yes. Body corporate rules prohibiting pets or an unsuitable property layout (such as no fenced yard) are reasonable grounds to decline.
What if a tenant brings in a pet without asking?
Keeping a pet without written consent is a breach of the tenancy agreement. Climber documents it at inspection and issues a formal 14-day notice to remedy.
If you want this handled for a property in Auckland, talk to the Climber team or read how residential property management works with us.