More than 1,700 pet bonds have now been lodged with Tenancy Services since a pet bond system was introduced at the end of last year.
The policy was part of the National/ACT coalition agreement and allows landlords to charge up to two weeks’ extra bond for tenants with pets.
The pet bond policy was introduced alongside other changes to the Residential Tenancies Act and came into force on December 1st.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop said it was great to see such a ‘pawsitive’ response, with 1,708 pet bonds now lodged.
“The pet bond system is a practical way to make it easier for renters with pets to find a home, while giving landlords confidence there are clear protections in place,” he said,
The pet bond rules include:
- Tenants must have the landlord’s consent to keep a pet, but landlords can only withhold consent on reasonable grounds.
- Landlords may require a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent, in addition to the existing general tenancy bond.
- Tenants are liable for all pet related damage to properties beyond fair wear and tear.
- Tenancy Services enables lodgement, top-ups and refunds of pet bonds and provides updated guidance and forms.
ACT Party leader, David Seymour told The Wag last year that a visit to Auckland’s Pet Refuge, a charity which provides temporary shelter to pets so their owners can find a safe home, was a big influence.
“I realized when visiting Pet Refuge, which is a fabulous charity, that there is a real problem with people who are in abusive relationships escaping, often their pet is used as leverage over them.”
He said the policy would then help victims of domestic abuse find a new home, as well as dog-owners in general, he said.
“If you need to rent, it can be pretty difficult to get a place where you can go with a pet.
Now, you can understand that from a landlord’s point of view. They can’t charge any additional bond for any damage a pet may cause, but they probably do want to help.” Seymour said.
“And so all we’ve really done is, I guess, fix a missing market for pet bonds, or for people who want to find a place for their pet, they can pay up to two weeks extra bond, and that should increase the number of landlords willing to accept pets.”
