In a move aimed at enhancing the rights of tenants while addressing landlords’ concerns, Housing Minister Chris Bishop has announced significant amendments to tenancy laws, ushering in the introduction of pet bonds. Effective from 2025, these changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will empower landlords to levy a pet bond, capped at a maximum of two weeks’ rent, fostering a more favorable environment for tenants with pets.
Under the revised legislation, renters will bear responsibility for any damages caused by their pets, irrespective of whether they are accidental or due to negligence. Minister Bishop, flanked by his samoyed companion Ladyhawke, emphasized the government’s belief in affording tenants the freedom to own pets, asserting that the implementation of pet bonds would streamline the approval process for such applications, thereby fostering greater inclusivity in the rental market.
However, landlords will retain the prerogative to refuse tenants with pets on reasonable grounds, such as property size constraints, inadequate fencing, or adherence to body corporate regulations and council bylaws. Minister Bishop underscored the contextual nature of “reasonable grounds,” noting that legal precedent within the Tenancy Tribunal would serve as the arbiter in such cases.
While contemplating a legislative provision granting pet ownership as an inherent right, the government ultimately opted for a balanced approach, recognizing the inherent property rights of landlords. Consultations with stakeholders, including the NZ Property Investors Federation and landlords, affirmed their support for the initiative, citing the additional security afforded by pet bonds amid concerns over potential property damage.
However, critics like Luke Somervell of Renters United argue that these changes offer little solace to renters, characterizing them as superficial remedies that fail to address the broader issue of landlord dominance. Somervell contends that the persistence of no-cause evictions undermines the purported security offered by pet bonds, perpetuating an asymmetrical power dynamic favoring landlords.
Conversely, organizations like Pet Refuge have hailed the introduction of pet bonds as a significant step towards facilitating pet-friendly accommodations, particularly for individuals fleeing domestic abuse. Julie Chapman, Chief Executive of Pet Refuge, lauded the reforms, highlighting their potential to expedite the reunification of pets with their owners, thereby supporting the healing process of survivors.
The announcement of pet bonds signifies a nuanced attempt to strike a delicate balance between safeguarding the interests of both landlords and tenants, navigating the complexities inherent in the rental landscape while advancing the cause of pet welfare and inclusivity in housing arrangements.
