Can a landlord refuse a pet in NZ?
Can a landlord refuse a pet? Only on reasonable grounds, since 1 December 2025. The tenant's request must be answered within 21 calendar days.
The reasonable grounds
- The property is not suitable for the pet
- There are legal restrictions, such as body corporate rules
- The tenant has not met the animal bylaws
- The pet is not suitable for the property
- The tenant does not meet the pet consent conditions
Conditions and the pet bond
A landlord who says yes can set reasonable conditions, such as a pet bond of up to two weeks' rent, a professional carpet clean at the end if the pet is allowed inside, and the pet kept restrained when the landlord visits lawfully.
Penalties
Not answering within 21 calendar days, or refusing without reasonable grounds, can each bring a penalty of up to $1,500.
Sources: Tenancy Services, Requesting pet consent, updated 1 December 2025; Pet consent conditions, updated 1 December 2025; When landlords can refuse pets, updated 1 December 2025. Checked 2 October 2026. Rules change, so check the current position with Tenancy Services before relying on this.
More landlord questions.
- What changed in tenancy law in 2025 and 2026?90 day notice, email notices, pets and meth rules, with dates.
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