Talk with the person managing your tenancy before bringing a new pet home. A clear written request helps the landlord consider the animal and the property, and gives everyone a record of the decision.
The pet rules introduced on 1 December 2025 apply to new pets requiring consent. A pet lawfully kept before that date does not need new consent, and approved ongoing consent may cover a replacement pet within its conditions. Disability assist dogs are exempt from the pet-consent and pet-bond rules. Check the official pet rules for your circumstances.
A tenant named on the tenancy agreement can request consent in writing. Include the type and number of pets, how the property suits them and relevant council requirements. Tenancy Services provides a request form and step-by-step guidance.
The landlord must make a decision and respond in writing within 21 calendar days, even if more information has been requested. Refusal needs reasonable grounds. Approval can include reasonable conditions. Keep the request, decision and conditions with the tenancy agreement.
A permitted pet bond is a condition of consent, not an automatic charge for every animal. The maximum is two weeks’ rent, with only one pet bond per tenancy even when more than one pet is approved. It cannot be charged for disability assist dogs or pets lawfully kept before 1 December 2025. A charged pet bond must be clearly identified and lodged with Tenancy Services.
Read the pet-bond guidance before agreeing to or collecting a payment. All tenants named on the agreement are responsible for pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Send a tenancy-specific request to your existing landlord or property manager. For general questions about Ray White Tuakau’s management service, call 09 236 8447.