New provisions regarding pet consent and pet bonds are set to take effect from late 2025, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. These changes will apply to new tenancies only. Below is a summary of the key updates: Key Changes to Pet Consent: •Tenants will be allowed to request written consent from their landlord to keep a pet in their rental property. •Landlords can refuse such requests only on reasonable grounds. •Tenants will be responsible for any pet-related damage that goes beyond fair wear and tear. •Pet bonds may be required by landlords of no more than 2 weeks’ worth of rent (in addition to the general bond) Disability Assist Dogs: Disability assist dogs are excluded from these rules. No permission is needed, and landlords cannot charge a pet bond for these dogs. Further guidance on pet bonds and consents will be made available to support compliance with pet-related rights and responsibilities at the time the pet provisions are due to commence. For more information and updates, visit: https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/law-changes/ Scroll down to the section titled "Pet consent rules, pet bonds and pet damage liability provisions.

The deadline is fast approaching: from 1 July 2025, all rental properties must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. Until now, properties only needed to be compliant within 120 days of a new tenancy agreement being signed. However, soon, full compliance will be required across the board. If your investment property isn’t already up to standard, now is the time to act. And if it is, maintaining compliance is just as important. For a quick refresher on the Healthy Homes Standards, check out our recent newsletter, the BC Noticeboard, at the link below: https://public2.bomamarketing.com/email/QEMj