Landlords will be able to charge 'pet bond' - Govt

Landlords will soon be able to demand an additional bond for would-be tenants with pets.

The additional bond — on top of the up to four weeks' rent charge on existing bonds — would be up to two weeks' rent.

Tenants would also be liable for all pet damage to properties beyond "fair wear and tear", and new rules would require that tenants only have a pet with the consent of the landlord, who can withhold consent on "reasonable grounds".

The policy is part of the National / ACT coalition agreement and will come as parts of other amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, which were announced last week. The amendments will be introduced to the House in May.

Housing Minister Chris Bishop said it would give tenants with pets a greater choice when looking for rental properties.

He made the announcement alongside Regulation Minister David Seymour on the Parliament forecourt, as well as his dog, Ladyhawke.

"Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It's estimated that around 64% of New Zealand households own at least one pet, and 59% of people who don't have a pet would like to get one.

"Anyone who has ever tried to find a pet-friendly rental property will know how hard it is, so we're going to make it easier."

He said supporting people to find a pet-friendly rental home was part of the Government's plan to "create a well-functioning rental property market", which he said was itself part of the wider plan to solve New Zealand's housing crisis.

Seymour said the policy would address tenants being "locked out" of rental markets due to landlords not being willing to take a risk on tenants with pets.

"There are tenants out there who would be more than happy to pay a little extra in order to live in their preferred home with their very good boy.

"More landlords would be willing to allow pets if they could protect themselves from some of the risks."

He said the policy also helped victims of domestic abuse move on with their lives.

"Often, people stay in relationships to look after pets and become stuck. Helping these people find rentals that are accepting of pets will allow them to move on safely and have a brighter future."

Currently a rental bond can cover unpaid rent, damage to the property or any claims relating to the tenancy at the end of a lease.

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