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 could withhold consent on “reasonable grounds”.
The policy was part of the National / ACT coalition agreement and would be included with other amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, which were announced last week. The amendments would 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 Bishop’s 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,” Bishop said.
“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.”
Bishop 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.”
Seymour 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.
Pet shelter charity welcomes changes
A charity which provides temporary shelter for the pets of people escaping abuse welcomed the Government’s move today.
Pet Refuge chief executive Julie Chapman said pets often ended up staying with the charity for longer-term care as people struggled to find secure accommodation.
“We believe the changes announced today will mean more pets can be reunited with their families sooner, enabling us to help those that are waiting for our support.
“We always hope to be able to reunite owners with their pets as soon as possible, but we’ve had some animals in our care for months at a time while their pet parent searches high and low for somewhere that will take them both.
“There have been times where we’ve had to find the pet a new loving forever home because it has been impossible for their family to find a place they can all live in safety together.
“It’s heartbreaking that owners have to part with their much-loved pet because they can’t find a rental to take them both.
Chapman added: “Many of the people we help describe their pet as their rock, their protector and source of comfort, and keeping them in their lives is a huge part of their recovery.”