Can I keep a cat or dog in a rental? Can my landlord just say no?
From 1 December 2025, you can ask your landlord for permission to keep a pet, and they can refuse only on reasonable grounds. Your landlord can charge a pet bond of up to 2 weeks' rent. You do not need permission for a disability assist dog, and the landlord cannot charge a pet bond for it.
Official figures
- How often rent can go up
- Only after 12 months from the start of the tenancy, and at least 12 months since the last rent increase (the same for periodic and fixed-term tenancies)1
- Notice for a rent increase
- At least 60 days' written notice; at least 28 days for a boarding house1
- How much rent can go up
- The law does not limit the amount of an increase, but it sets the process for increasing rent and what tenants can do if they disagree1
- Rent increases in a fixed-term tenancy
- The landlord can increase the rent only if the tenancy agreement says it can be increased1
- Tenant ending a periodic tenancy
- At least 21 days' written notice2
Official sources
- Rent increases and reductionsTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
- Tenancy law changesTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
- AccessTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
- InspectionsTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Renting rights: repairs, rent increases and notice to end a tenancy →
People also ask
- My landlord says the rent goes up next month. Is that allowed? How much notice must they give?
- How many times a year can my landlord increase the rent? Is there a limit on how much?
- I have a periodic tenancy. How many days' notice must I give before I move out?
- My landlord is selling the house and gave me 42 days to leave. Is that legal?
- Can my landlord come for an inspection without telling me? How often can they inspect?
- My hot water cylinder is broken and the landlord won't fix it. Can I stop paying rent?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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