Yesterday, our Managing Director Mike Atkinson joined the One Roof Radio Show to unpack two of the biggest topics facing landlords right now: the incoming changes to pets in rental properties and the current state of New Zealand’s rental market.
In a wide-ranging discussion, Mike shared practical insights on what the new pet rules really mean for property owners, how the rental landscape is shifting, and what landlords should consider as we head into the next phase of regulation and market adjustment.
What Was Covered
- Rents are falling in many parts of the country. Two years earlier New Zealand rent rises were being compared with Singapore and New York. By December 2025 new listings were coming on at lower asking rents, with existing tenancies lagging behind.
- Migration is the driver. Net migration has fallen a long way from its post-Covid peak. With far fewer arrivals, demand for rentals has softened while new supply has kept coming.
- Properties take longer to let than they did two years ago, though a well-presented, correctly priced home still goes quickly. The gap between the two has widened.
- Pets, from this month. A tenant asks in writing and the landlord has 21 days to respond. A request can only be declined on reasonable grounds, such as body corporate rules or a property that is not suitable for that animal. A pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent can be charged, and the tenant is liable for pet damage beyond fair wear and tear. A refusal without a reasonable ground can be taken to the Tribunal.
- The insurance gap. Several callers said their insurer would not cover pet damage, and one described a flooring replacement that ran far past any two-week bond. Mike undertook to look into which insurers do cover it.
What It Means for Landlords
Pets are now part of the tenant pool you screen, not a reason to skip an applicant. Ask for the pet bond, put the pet in the tenancy agreement, and check your landlord insurance for pet damage cover before you say yes. Our guide to pets in rental properties covers the tribunal decisions that started this debate, and tenant selection and screening explains how we assess an application, pet included.
Listen to the Full Segment
The interview aired on Saturday 13 December 2025 on The Weekend Collective, Newstalk ZB, and runs about 40 minutes. If the player above does not load, listen on the Newstalk ZB website.
