Pets Guide

What Tauranga Landlords Need to Know About Pets in Rental Properties

Pets are an important part of many New Zealand households, and recent changes to tenancy legislation have introduced a clearer process for tenants wanting to keep them in a rental property. While landlords still have the right to decline a request in some situations, there must be valid reasons for doing so under the law.

At Ray White Tauranga, we help landlords understand their responsibilities and manage pet requests with confidence. Our Pets Guide explains the current rules, your rights as a property owner, and how an experienced property manager can help protect your investment property.

Understanding the New Pet Rules

The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act introduced a formal pet consent process from 1 December 2025. Tenants must request permission in writing before bringing a pet into the property, and landlords are required to respond within the required timeframe. Consent can include reasonable conditions, and requests may only be declined on recognised grounds.

Knowing how these rules apply can help landlords avoid unnecessary disputes while maintaining a positive tenancy.

What You’ll Learn

Inside the guide you’ll find information on:

• The current pet consent process for rental properties.
• When a landlord can decline a pet request.
• Pet bonds and how they work.
• Reasonable conditions that may be included with approval.
• Tenant responsibilities for pet-related damage.
• Tips for protecting your investment property while supporting successful tenancies.
• How professional property management can simplify the process.

Protecting Your Investment Property

Allowing pets doesn’t have to increase the risk to your rental property. With clear agreements, careful tenant selection, regular inspections, and proactive maintenance, landlords can reduce potential issues while building positive, long-term relationships with tenants.

Having an experienced property manager oversee the tenancy also helps ensure pet requests are handled correctly and in line with current legislation.

Download Your Free Pets Guide

Complete the form below to receive your free copy of our Pets Guide. It’s a valuable resource for landlords wanting to better understand pet legislation, tenancy obligations, and best practice for managing pets in a rental property.

If you’d like advice about managing your investment property or would like a rental appraisal, get in touch with Ray White Tauranga. Our local property management team is here to help you protect your investment and stay up to date with New Zealand tenancy requirements.