If there’s one conversation we’re having regularly in 2025, it’s pets. Tenants want to bring much-loved companion animals into their homes; owners want clarity on risk, wear-and-tear, and the line between reasonable and unreasonable refusal. The good news is that with a clear process and the right paperwork, you can say “yes” more confidently—or decline on solid, defensible grounds—while protecting your asset and relationship with great tenants.
This guide outlines Sole Agents’ practical approach. It aligns with the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and folds in lessons from industry training so decisions are consistent, fair, and well-documented.
Why pets-and why now?
Companion animals aren’t a fringe request anymore. As tenancy lengths increase and more people rent long-term, tenants look for homes that match their real lives. For owners, that can be good news: pet-friendly properties often draw larger applicant pools, reduce time-to-let, and—when managed well—support longer, happier tenancies. The key is shifting from a blanket “no pets” stance to a case-by-case assessment with clear criteria and conditions.
Reasonable vs unreasonable: thinking like the Tribunal
Whether you approve or decline, the question is always “Could I justify this decision if it were challenged?” Reasonable grounds focus on the property, the pet, and the practical risks. Unreasonable grounds tend to be blanket statements or personal preferences that don’t relate to the actual circumstances.
Examples of reasonable considerations include:
- Property constraints – small section with no fencing for a large dog; no outdoor space; heritage flooring that cannot be adequately protected.
- Third-party rules – body corporate, building rules, or by-laws that expressly prohibit certain animals.
- Safety risks – aggressive breed history, inadequate containment, proximity to sensitive wildlife.
- Insurance limitations – material policy exclusions that cannot be mitigated by conditions.
Conversely, blanket bans and “we just don’t like pets” positions are harder to defend. The moment you consider the specific pet, property, and controls the tenant proposes, you’re on far stronger footing—either to approve with conditions or to decline reasonably.
The 6-step process Sole Agents uses
We run every request through the same workflow. That consistency matters: it reduces dispute risk and makes it easy to evidence your reasoning later.
- Formal request from the tenant
We ask tenants to complete a Pet Request Application. It covers species, breed, age, sex, desexing/microchipping details, vaccination status, training, references, and a short plan for containment, exercise, and cleaning. Photos help. If applicable, we ask for prior tenancy references mentioning the pet. - Property suitability check
We consider the property’s layout and surfaces, available outdoor space, fencing and gates, nearby neighbours or shared walls, and any special features (new carpet, polished timber, heritage tiles). Where relevant, we note local wildlife or farm animals nearby and whether the tenant has a plan to prevent nuisance or chasing. - Third-party and legal checks
We review any body corporate or building rules. We also confirm local authority requirements (e.g., dog registration) and ensure the tenant understands their duties under the Dog Control Act. If a rule expressly prohibits a certain pet or type of animal, we gather that evidence for the file. - Insurance implications
We check for any policy exclusions that have a material impact (e.g., certain dog breeds or types of damage). New Zealand law caps the tenancy bond (you can’t add a separate “pet bond”), so insurance settings—and your Pet Agreement conditions—carry more weight. If conditions can address risk (e.g., additional professional cleaning at end of tenancy), we lean toward approval with safeguards. - Decision and conditions
Where we approve, conditions are tailored to the pet and property. Typical conditions include keeping the pet outdoors or confined when the tenant is away if appropriate; not permitting pets on soft furnishings; professional carpet cleaning and flea treatment at the end of tenancy; immediate notification of any damage; and extra inspection focus on high-risk areas. Where we decline, we reference the specific, objective grounds (e.g., body corporate prohibition; no safe containment for the proposed pet; insurance exclusion) and we communicate respectfully and clearly.
Documentation and file notes
We issue a Pet Agreement for both parties to sign and keep all correspondence, evidence, and photos with the tenancy record. That paper trail is your best friend if disagreements arise.
Conditions that actually work
A condition only helps if it is clear, reasonable, and enforceable. Here are examples we’ve found effective:
- Cleaning & pest treatment: On vacate, the tenant arranges professional carpet cleaning (where carpeted), deodorising if needed, and flea treatment if the pet is a cat or dog.
- Damage & repairs: Any pet damage must be reported promptly. Minor damage is remedied by the tenant; more significant damage is addressed by agreement, noting that claims may involve the bond or insurance where applicable.
- Noise & nuisance: Tenants must ensure pets do not create ongoing noise, odour, or nuisance to neighbours; breaches may lead to notices to remedy.
- Containment & supervision: Dogs are to be supervised and contained on the property; cats may require litter solutions that protect flooring; small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs) must be housed in appropriate enclosures with trays to prevent soiling.
Areas off-limits: Where surfaces are at risk (brand-new timber, specialty tiles), pets are kept off those areas or protective runners are used.
Approving with confidence – or declining with care
A well-structured approval can be a win-win: the tenant feels trusted and accountable, and you have clear expectations plus recourse if things go wrong. If the facts point the other way, a careful decline is equally valid. For example, a high-energy large dog in a second-floor apartment with no balcony or yard could be declined on property suitability; a body corporate ban needs little further analysis; an insurance exclusion that cannot be managed is a solid ground to say no. The difference is that your “no” is tied to evidence, not a general preference.
Inspections without the stress
Routine inspections don’t need to become adversarial. We add a couple of pet-specific checks—odour, scratching at doors, backyard wear, lawns and garden beds—and note any early warning signs. Many issues are solved with simple fixes: extra mats at entries, nail trimming, moving a litter tray, or adding protective runners along busy corridors.
What about marketability and rent?
In many suburbs, advertising “pets considered on application” increases your enquiry rate and often shortens time on market. We avoid promising “pet friendly” sight unseen; instead, we invite applications with full pet details and set expectations that each case will be assessed on its merits. Rent settings remain driven by comparable properties and market demand, not by “pet premiums”—but a broader applicant pool can help you achieve fair market rent faster.
How Sole Agents makes this easy
Our promise to owners is simple: we’ll keep it fair, fast, and fully documented. That means one application form, one consistent assessment framework, one clear decision with tailored conditions, and one Pet Agreement that sits alongside the tenancy. If your portfolio has a historic “no pets” note, we’ll convert it to a case-by-case policy that still protects your asset while keeping us squarely within the RTA.
If you’ve received a pet request (or expect one soon), get in touch. We’ll review the facts, recommend a course, and, if appropriate, structure an approval that’s sensible for your property and sustainable for your tenant. Pets don’t have to mean problems—done well, they can mean happier households and longer, steadier tenancies.
