Dealing with Pets: A Guide to Dogs and Cats
One of the biggest decisions you'll make as a landlord is whether to allow pets. It's a tough call, because pets can cause damage, but saying "no" means you lose out on a huge number of potential tenants.
The Rules Around Pets in NZ
- Reasonable Consent: Under recent changes to New Zealand tenancy laws, tenants can request to keep a pet, and a landlord cannot decline the request unreasonably. You have 21 days to respond to their request in writing.
- What You Cannot Do: You can charge a separate "pet bond". You cannot charge "pet rent" or demand professional carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy unless the pet has actually caused a mess that requires it.
- Setting Conditions: You can set reasonable conditions, such as specifying the dog must stay outside or the tenant is responsible for any damage the pet causes.
Should you say 'yes' to pets?
Saying yes to pets can double your pool of potential tenants, but you need to do it right. Get our Pet Addendum template and guide.
The DIY Headache
It is very hard to judge what counts as a "reasonable" refusal under the law, and getting it wrong can land you in the Tenancy Tribunal. Dealing with complaints from neighbors about a barking dog or trying to prove that a cat ruined the carpet is a massive headache.
Why You Should Use a Property Manager
Managing pet requests requires a deep understanding of the Residential Tenancies Act. We know how to navigate pet applications legally, set enforceable conditions, and protect your property from damage. Let First Door handle the furry tenants while you enjoy the steady rental income.