From 1 December 2025, new laws will take effect that give tenants and landlords clearer guidelines around keeping pets in rental properties. These updates aim to make it easier for tenants to have pets while still protecting landlords’ rights to manage their properties responsibly.
What’s Changing
Currently, landlords can choose whether or not to allow pets, and charging a pet bond is not permitted.
From December 2025, new rules will come into force that introduce clear consent and bond provisions:
Pet consent: Tenants can keep a pet if their tenancy agreement allows it or if they have written consent from their landlord.
Landlord rights: Landlords can only refuse consent if they have reasonable grounds.
Pet bonds: Landlords can charge a separate pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent, but only one pet bond can be held at a time.
Damage responsibility: Tenants are fully responsible for pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Reasonable conditions: Landlords can include fair and reasonable conditions when giving consent for a pet.
Additional Details
Disability assist dogs are excluded from these rules — they don’t require landlord consent and cannot be charged a pet bond.
Landlords must clearly identify the type and amount of bond being charged.
If a pet leaves the property, tenants can request their pet bond to be refunded.
A new pet bond can be charged if the tenant brings in a new pet.
Bond top-ups may be required if the rent increases, and the Tenancy Tribunal can order additional bond payments if needed.
Existing Tenancies with Pets
If you already have a lawful pet before the new rules take effect, you don’t need to reapply for consent.
Landlords cannot charge a pet bond or introduce new conditions for existing pets.
Tenants remain responsible for any damage caused by their pets beyond fair wear and tear.
If you add a new pet after the new laws begin, the consent and bond rules will apply to that pet.
What This Means for Landlords and Tenants
For landlords:
Review your tenancy agreements before December 2025 to ensure they’re ready for the new requirements. Make sure any pet conditions or bonds are clearly stated and fair.
For tenants:
If you’re considering bringing a pet into your home, plan ahead and request written consent where needed. Be aware that you’ll be responsible for any damage your pet causes.
In Summary
These new rules aim to strike a balance — giving more tenants the opportunity to keep pets while giving landlords confidence that their properties remain protected.
Further guidance will be released closer to 1 December 2025, but both landlords and tenants can start preparing now to ensure a smooth transition when the pet consent and bond provisions come into effect.