Monthly Landlord Newsletters

 

Welcome back to the Propertyscouts Monthly Landlord Newsletter, where we update you on all things New Zealand property market, investor insights, seasonal reminders, and more.

From Paws to Policy: The New Pet Rules Explained

From 1 December 2025, pets are officially moving into the rental spotlight. Tenants can get fluffier, landlords can get cleverer - thanks to the new pet bond system and clearer consent rules. The aim? Make it easier for tenants to keep pets while keeping landlords’ wallets and properties safe.

Key Changes for Landlords

• Written consent: Tenants must ask first (unless your agreement already allows pets). You must respond in writing within 21 days. Tick-tock!

• Reasonable grounds to say no: Think property unsuitability, body corporate or council rules, dangerous dogs, or tenants refusing sensible pet conditions.

• Pet bond: Charge up to two weeks’ rent as a separate bond, managed by Tenancy Services. If rent increases, you can request a top-up to keep the bond in line.

• Penalties: Say no without good reason - or take too long to reply - and you could face a fine up to $1,500. Tenants keeping pets without consent? Up to $750.

• Exemptions: Disability assistance dogs get a free pass - no consent, no pet bond.

When Can You Say No?

You can only refuse a pet request on reasonable grounds - and you have 21 days to respond. Some examples:

• Apartment too small for a Great Dane.

• Body corporate or council rules say “no pets.”

• Pet is a safety or health risk.

• Tenants refuse reasonable conditions like carpet cleaning or outdoor containment.

Refuse without good reason? Penalty. Respond late? Penalty. Simple.

Pet Damage: Who’s Responsible?

Here’s the kicker - under the new rules, tenants are fully liable for pet damage beyond fair wear and tear. Unlike normal accidental damage, which usually goes through insurance, pet damage is different:

• You can claim directly against the tenant or the pet bond.

• No insurance drama unless your policy specifically demands it.

This makes approving responsible pets less scary and gives landlords confidence to say yes - without losing sleep.

Risks and Opportunities

Risks:

• Extra wear and tear.

• Noise or neighbour complaints.

• Penalties if consent is refused without valid grounds.

Opportunities:

• Larger tenant pool - around 64% of NZ households have at least one pet.

• Longer tenancies - responsible pet owners stick around.

• Competitive edge in a tight rental market.

Handled well, these changes can attract responsible tenants, reduce vacancy, and protect your investment with a clear, fair system.

Bottom Line: Review your docs, update your processes, and be ready for 1 December 2025. Pets aren’t just cute - they’re officially part of the rental landscape. And if you play it smart, they could help your property perform even better.

Granny Flats Get a Makeover: Simple, Smart, and Consent-Free

Early 2026, Kiwi homeowners will be able to build single-storey, standalone granny flats - up to 70m² - without the usual building consent. Yep, the days of endless paperwork, expensive delays, and council headaches could soon be behind us.

So, what’s actually changing?

• Fewer consents, same rules: You won’t need a full building consent if your flat meets the conditions: single-storey, self-contained, at least 2 metres from your house or boundary, and built by licensed professionals.

• Council notifications still apply: Don’t go rogue - council needs a heads-up before you start and a check-in when you’re done. Think of it as waving politely before entering the playground.

• Size and setup matter: Keep it under 70m², maximum floor level 1 metre above ground, max height 4 metres, and stick to the detached dwelling rules. Lightweight materials, licensed builders, and proper plumbing and electrical connections are still a must.

• Infrastructure matters: Water, sewage, and stormwater connections still need council approval. So if your street is already bursting at the pipes, your “streamlined” build might hit a hard pause.

Why this actually matters

• Faster builds = less stress: No more twiddling thumbs waiting for consent approvals.

• More options for family or cash flow: Keep grandma close, house a grown-up kid, or generate extra rental income.

• Boost for builders: Licensed trades get more work, which is nice if you like happy tradespeople and faster timelines.

A few things to keep in mind

• You still need to play by boundary and hazard rules. No cutting corners.

• Development contributions still apply. Sorry, councils aren’t completely giving up their take.

• Work must be done or supervised by licensed pros. DIY dreams are mostly out the window.

In short: build smart, follow the rules, and your backyard could go from “just a patch of grass” to “mini home empire” before you know it. Just check your council, measure twice, and maybe keep a cup of tea handy - because even a simpler system still likes a bit of attention.

Quote to Ponder

“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” - William Butler Yeats

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Disclaimer

Given the opinions expressed in parts of the email, it’s important that we make it clear that the contents are opinions and observations and made in good faith.  

Propertyscouts NZ (2025) Limited, trading as Propertyscouts, and its associated parties (including directors, agents, employees, officers or otherwise) have attempted to provide   this information to the best of their ability but do not make any representations or warranties of any nature (intended or implied) as to the accuracy of the information on this communication. All recipients of this communication should conduct and rely on their own enquiries in relation to the information on this communication.

The information available on the properties listed for sale, rent or otherwise, has been obtained from the vendor or landlord of the property and the appropriate professional service providers. We do not and cannot verify or guarantee the accuracy of the information obtained in relation to the properties.

The information and/or materials available in this communication are intended to be general information only and may be changed at any time, without notice to you. The information and/or materials in this communication should not be relied on under any circumstances as a substitute for legal, financial, real estate, or other professional and/or expert advice. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Propertyscouts and its associated parties disclaim all liability, responsibility, and negligence for any direct or indirect loss or damage suffered by any person arising from the information and/or materials presented in this communication or any information and/or materials that arise from it.