New pet rules have applied from 1 December 2025. Tenants and landlords should use the written consent process for a new pet rather than rely on a blanket policy or an informal conversation. The rules apply to the particular pet and tenancy; disability assist dogs have separate protection.
A tenant should request consent in writing, describing the pet and the information relevant to its suitability. For a Ray White Kaitaia-managed home, contact your property manager through your existing verified channel. Keep a dated copy of the request.
The landlord must respond within 21 days. A refusal needs reasonable grounds and written reasons; approved conditions must be reasonable for the circumstances. Questions about fencing, property suitability, numbers or types of pets should be considered using evidence about the actual home and pet, not an unsupported assumption about all animals.
Record the decision and any reasonable conditions in writing. These may address a genuine property or safety concern, but should not turn consent into an unreasonable barrier. Use current Tenancy Services guidance to assess a proposed condition.
Where permitted, one pet bond of no more than two weeks’ rent can be charged for the tenancy, rather than a separate bond for each animal. Its collection, lodgement and refund have specific requirements. Disability assist dogs are outside the pet-consent and pet-bond rules.
A pet already permitted before 1 December 2025 does not need fresh consent simply because the rules changed. New conditions or a pet bond cannot be imposed for that existing permitted pet on that basis. A request for an additional pet is a new question.
Keep approval records, respect lawful entry and report pet-related issues early. Tenants are responsible for pet damage beyond fair wear and tear under the current rules. Condition records and photographs help distinguish what occurred; a disagreement should be addressed using the appropriate process.
For a question about a managed property, call Ray White Kaitaia on 09 408 2900 or contact your manager. Read the current Tenancy Services pet, consent and pet-bond pages for the precise rules and exceptions. General guidance is not a decision on an individual request.