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People with pets could find it easier to secure rental housing under new government rules that allow landlords to charge a dedicated pet bond but also restrict when animals can be refused, according to a Rodney property manager.
These changes came into effect on December 1 last year after reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act.
The new rules require tenants to obtain consent to keep a pet, allow landlords to refuse only on reasonable grounds, permit a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent in addition to the general bond, and make tenants liable for pet damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Kowhai Coast Property Management founder Jules Wigley said allowing pet bonds and restricting refusal of potential tenants with pets gave both sides clearer options and more flexibility.
“This legislation was a big change for us last year. Firstly I think it provides more clarity and power for both groups. So it’s more tools in the toolkit for tenants and landlords,” he said.
“I’ve found the long-term benefits of tenants with pets are great, but you have to be able to front-foot the possible risks of those pets.”
Wigley said landlords could now ask for a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent and add conditions to manage potential damage, such as requiring carpets to be professionally cleaned at the end of a tenancy.
For tenants, the landlord can’t say no to a pet without a valid reason, unless one exists then they can refuse consent.
“We had a client on Omaha Valley Road whose property backed onto a kiwi reserve and they had actually released kiwi in the backyard. So that was a very valid reason to not allow pets on the property.”
Overall Wigley said the reforms promoted a more stable tenancy for everyone.
“At the end of the day, landlords and tenants want the same thing, which is stable, long-term tenancies working well.”
But he said the long-term effect would take time to assess.
“We still have to see how it plays out. At this stage it sounds good on paper, but it’s like watch your space.”
Housing Minister Chris Bishop said the reforms were intended to balance the needs of renters and property owners.
“These reforms are a win-win for tenants and landlords and are a pawsitive (sic) step forward,” he said.
“Pets are part of the family for many households. Around 64 per cent of Kiwi homes include at least one. Anyone who’s tried to find a pet-friendly rental knows how ‘ruff’ it can be”.
The reforms meant the Tenancy Services’ bond system enabled landlords and tenants to lodge pet bonds for new tenancies, add a pet bond to an existing tenancy when a new pet is introduced, top up a pet bond if the rent increases and refund a pet bond if the pet was no longer at the property, Bishop added.
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour said the changes would address landlords’ reluctance to accept animals.
“There are tenants out there to whom what matters is being able to live in their preferred home with their very good boy,” Seymour said.
“More landlords would be willing to allow pets if they could protect themselves from some of the risks.
“This policy is also important for helping victims of domestic abuse move on with their lives. Often, people stay in relationships to look after pets and become stuck. Helping these people find rentals that are accepting of pets will allow them to move on safely and have a brighter future.”
Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka said the approach focused on fairness.
“They make it easier for landlords to say yes, while giving tenants the certainty they need to settle with their pets.”
