At least one local household is settling into life with a new canine companion after the landlord and tenant reached an agreement under new government rules making rentals more pet-friendly.

The new rules, introduced in December, mean landlords can now only refuse a tenant’s request for a pet under ‘reasonable’ conditions, while an additional bond of up to two weeks’ rent provides certainty to property owners.

Home & Co director Colleen Topping said her tenants are now enjoying life with their new dog after agreeing to install some temporary fencing and topping up their bond.

She said this was a “sensible” outcome which worked for both parties.

The long-running property management company started educating its landlords a few months ago on the changes, but Colleen said they “haven’t had an influx” of pet requests - at least so far.

Until recently, most landlords had been reluctant to allow pets, she said.

“I think there still are quite a lot that prefer not to have pets but they realise the reality of the law change.”

Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT), which provides affordable homes for low-to-middle income earners in the district, has welcomed the new rules.

“The new pet bond scheme… protects landlords while recognising that renters deserve animal companions too,” the trust said.

QLCHT said it had always been reasonable about pets in its homes “because we know what they mean to people’s wellbeing”.

Meanwhile, the government described the new rules as “win-win”.

“The changes reflect the government’s focus on practical, balanced solutions that support both renters and property owners,” associate housing minister Tama Potaka said.

The new rules include that:

• Tenants must have the landlord’s consent to keep a pet but landlords can only withhold consent on reasonable grounds.
• Landlords may require a pet bond up to two weeks’ rent, in addition to the existing general tenancy bond.
• Tenants will be liable for all pet damage to properties beyond fair wear and tear
• Tenancy Services will enable lodgement, top-ups and refunds of pet bonds and will provide updated guidance and forms ahead of commencement.
• Tenants who had pets before December 1 2025 will not need new consent or be required to pay bonds.

Find more information, for both renters and landlords, about the new rules, here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App