Can a tenant keep a pet in an Invercargill rental? Yes, if the tenancy agreement permits it or the landlord gives written consent. Since 1 December 2025, landlords must respond to a new pet request within 21 calendar days and can decline only on reasonable grounds. A pet bond may be a reasonable condition, subject to strict limits.
What changed in New Zealand pet rules?
The Residential Tenancies Act pet consent rules took effect on 1 December 2025. For a pet a tenant wants to start keeping on or after that date, the tenant must have permission in the tenancy agreement or request written consent from the landlord. The tenant should wait for consent before bringing the pet into the rental.
There is an important transition rule: if a pet was already lawfully allowed before 1 December 2025, the tenant does not have to ask again for that pet. A landlord cannot use the new rules to add new conditions or charge a pet bond for that existing pet. A new or different pet should be considered under the current consent process.
How should an Invercargill landlord respond to a pet request?
- Check the tenancy agreement and property rules. Confirm whether the agreement already allows the pet, and check any body corporate, cross-lease or other applicable restrictions.
- Understand the request. Consider the animal, number of pets, the home’s size and layout, fencing, flooring, shared areas and any relevant local authority requirements. For dogs in Invercargill, check current Invercargill City Council registration and dog-control information.
- Reply in writing within 21 calendar days. The timeframe still applies if you have asked for more information. State whether consent is approved or declined and keep a copy with the tenancy record.
- If approving, set only reasonable conditions. A condition must be fair for the particular property and pet. Examples can include a pet bond within the legal limit, a suitable number or type of animal, or a proportionate end-of-tenancy cleaning condition where appropriate.
- If declining, explain the reasonable grounds. A reason could relate to the property’s suitability, legal restrictions or bylaws, the animal’s suitability, or the tenant’s failure to meet a reasonable condition. A blanket “no pets” response is not enough where the law requires a reasonable basis.
How much pet bond can be charged?
If a landlord consents to a pet kept from 1 December 2025 and makes it a condition of consent, the landlord may charge a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent. Only one pet bond can be charged per tenancy, even if more than one pet is approved. Identify the amount clearly as a pet bond in the documents and receipts, and lodge it with Tenancy Services. A pet bond cannot be charged for a disability assist dog.
A pet bond is not an extra fee and does not remove the tenant’s obligations. It can be used for pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear. All tenants named on the tenancy agreement are responsible for pet-related damage, even where only one tenant owns the pet. General bond and pet bond amounts should be recorded separately.
Local considerations for Southland rentals
Every property is different. A fenced house, an apartment with shared spaces and a small unit may raise different practical questions. For an Invercargill rental, check the current council rules that apply to the animal, as well as any building or body corporate rules. Do not promise that a pet is permitted until those requirements have been checked.
Good records reduce confusion later. Keep the tenant’s request, your written decision, the agreed pet details, any conditions, bond documents and inspection records together. If consent is ongoing, state which animal or type and how many pets it covers so a future change can be assessed correctly.
What if there is a disagreement?
Start with a clear conversation and the written record. If the parties cannot agree about consent or a condition, Tenancy Services explains the dispute and mediation options. A landlord should follow the normal legal process before changing or withdrawing consent; do not remove a pet or change the tenancy by self-help.
Property management support in Invercargill
Ray White Invercargill’s property management team can help landlords keep tenancy records organised and apply a consistent process to requests. We cannot replace legal advice or decide how the law applies to a particular dispute. To discuss managing your rental, visit our property management service or request a rental appraisal.
Common questions
How long does a landlord have to answer a pet request?
The landlord must make a decision and respond in writing within 21 calendar days, even if they have requested more information.
Can an approved pet be charged a pet bond?
A pet bond can be a condition of consent for a pet started on or after 1 December 2025. It is capped at two weeks’ rent, limited to one pet bond per tenancy, and must be clearly identified and lodged with Tenancy Services.
Do these rules apply to disability assist dogs?
No. Disability assist dogs are excluded from the pet consent and pet bond requirements. Check Tenancy Services for the current definition and evidence rules.
Where can landlords check the rules?
Read the official Tenancy Services pet rules, its guidance on requesting pet consent, reasonable conditions and pet bonds. Invercargill dog owners can also check the Invercargill City Council dog information.
This page is general information for Invercargill rental-property owners, current at publication. It is not legal advice. Tenancy rules may change; check the official sources or get independent advice for a particular tenancy.