Pets in rental properties
Finding a new home for a cat is a big decision, and if you're renting your home, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities before bringing a new pet home.
Changes to New Zealand's tenancy laws came into effect on 1 December 2025, making it easier for many tenants to request permission to keep a pet in their rental property. These changes help provide more certainty for both tenants and landlords, while encouraging responsible pet ownership.
If You Rent Your Home
If your tenancy is covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, you must obtain your landlord's consent before bringing a new pet into your rental property.
The good news is that:
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You can ask your landlord for permission at any time during your tenancy.
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Your landlord must respond to your request within 21 days.
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Your landlord cannot refuse your request without a valid reason (known as reasonable grounds).
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If consent is granted, your landlord may include reasonable conditions. For example, they may require the property to be professionally cleaned at the end of your tenancy if your pet is allowed inside the home.
Before You Adopt
Before adopting a cat, we recommend that you:
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Confirm that your tenancy is covered by the Residential Tenancies Act.
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Obtain written consent from your landlord before bringing your new cat home.
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Read and understand any conditions attached to your landlord's approval.
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Make sure you can provide a safe, secure and suitable environment for your new companion.
Obtaining consent before adopting helps avoid unnecessary stress for both you and your cat.
Not Every Rental Situation Is Covered
The Residential Tenancies Act does not apply to every rental arrangement. Some living situations have different rules, so it's worth checking whether the Act applies to your circumstances before relying on these provisions.
Learn More
For detailed information about the pet consent rules, including guidance for both tenants and landlords, visit the official Tenancy Services website:
Tenancy Services also provides a Pet Request and Consent Template that tenants and landlords can use when requesting or granting permission for pets.
At The New Zealand Cat Foundation, we encourage all prospective adopters to ensure they have the appropriate permission before adopting a cat. Taking this simple step helps create successful, lifelong homes for the cats in our care.