NZ Pet Bond Rules: What Landlords Can Charge

Since 1 December 2025, landlords in New Zealand who consent to a pet first kept on or after that date can charge a separate pet bond. This was introduced by the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 and it's the first time NZ law has allowed a dedicated pet security deposit. A pet already allowed before that date does not attract a new pet bond.

How Much Can You Charge

The pet bond is capped at 2 weeks' rent. This is separate from the general bond (which is capped at 4 weeks' rent), so the maximum total security you can hold for a tenancy with an approved pet is 6 weeks' rent.

Only one pet bond can be charged at a time during a tenancy, regardless of how many pets you've approved. If a tenant has two cats and a dog, the pet bond is still capped at 2 weeks' rent.

You cannot charge a pet bond for a certified Disability Assist Dog.

Worked Example

Weekly rent is $600. The landlord approves one cat.

Charging more than the statutory cap is an unlawful act. The Tenancy Tribunal can award exemplary damages of up to $1,500 for exceeding the pet bond maximum.

Lodging the Pet Bond

The pet bond follows the same lodgement rules as the general bond. You must lodge it with Tenancy Services within 23 working days of receiving the payment, through Bond Hub or connected property management software. Bond lodgements and top-ups have been online since 18 December 2024; paper bond forms are no longer accepted. The receipt you issue to the tenant must clearly distinguish between the general bond and the pet bond.

Both amounts are held in the same Residential Tenancies Trust Account by Tenancy Services. They're tracked separately on the bond record, but administered through a single Bond ID.

When You Can't Charge a Pet Bond

The pet bond is available when the landlord consents to a pet being kept at the property and the bond is a condition of that consent. You can't retroactively charge a pet bond if you discover an unauthorized pet — handle that through the pet-consent or tenancy-breach process.

For pets first kept before 1 December 2025, landlords cannot add a pet bond.

Claiming Against the Pet Bond at End of Tenancy

At the end of the tenancy, pet damage is assessed against the pet bond first. If the pet caused damage beyond normal wear and tear — scratched floors, stained carpet from accidents, damaged fencing — you can claim against the pet bond.

For pet-related damage that happened before 1 December 2025, tenant liability is capped at the lower of the landlord's insurance excess or 4 weeks' rent. For pet-related damage on or after that date, all tenants on the agreement are responsible for damage beyond fair wear and tear, and that cap does not apply.

If pet damage exceeds the pet bond, you can also claim against the general bond for the remainder. If there is no pet-related damage, the pet bond is refunded unless the tenant agrees, or the Tribunal orders, that it cover other tenancy costs.

Documentation Matters

Photograph the property at move-in, paying attention to areas pets commonly damage: floors, walls at pet height, gardens, fencing, and carpet in main living areas. Do the same at move-out. This before-and-after evidence is what the Tenancy Tribunal requires if a pet damage claim is disputed.

For the complete bond workflow — including pet bond lodgement, the working-day deadline calculator, and the refund process — see our NZ Bond Lodgement guide.

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