How much pet bond can a landlord charge in NZ?

From 1 December 2025, a New Zealand landlord can charge a pet bond of up to 2 weeks' rent. This is in addition to a general bond of up to 4 weeks' rent, giving a combined maximum total bond of 6 weeks' rent. For example, at $600 a week the maximum pet bond is $1,200, the maximum general bond is $2,400, and the total bond a landlord can ask for is $3,600. A pet bond can only be charged if the landlord has consented to the pet, and it cannot be charged for a disability assist dog.

Can a landlord charge a bond per pet in NZ?

No. Only one pet bond can be charged per tenancy, regardless of how many pets are approved. A landlord cannot charge a separate pet bond for each animal. The single pet bond is capped at 2 weeks' rent. Charging a pet bond when there is no pet can attract a penalty of up to $1,500, and charging more than 2 weeks' rent as a pet bond can attract a penalty of up to $3,000.

When did pet bonds start in New Zealand?

Pet bonds became available in New Zealand on 1 December 2025, under changes made by the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024. Before this date there was no pet bond and the maximum total bond was 4 weeks' rent. From 1 December 2025 a landlord who consents to a pet can charge an additional pet bond of up to 2 weeks' rent. From 29 June 2026 all bonds, including the pet bond, are lodged through the new Bond Hub system.

Pet Bond Calculator

Work out the maximum pet bond and total bond a landlord can charge in New Zealand under the rules that took effect on 1 December 2025. The maximum pet bond is 2 weeks' rent, the maximum general bond is 4 weeks' rent, and the total bond is capped at 6 weeks' rent.

Enter the weekly rent to see the maximum pet bond, general bond, and combined total a landlord is allowed to ask for.

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Updated June 2026 Pet bond rules effective 1 December 2025. Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024.

1. Your Rent

Weekly rent

Quick presets

2. Bond Limits (Fixed by Law)

Maximum pet bond2 weeks' rent

Maximum general bond4 weeks' rent

Maximum total bond6 weeks' rent

A pet bond can only be charged if the landlord has consented to the pet. Only one pet bond applies per tenancy, no matter how many pets are approved. No pet bond can be charged for a disability assist dog.

Maximum Bond a Landlord Can Charge

Max General Bond

4 weeks' rent

Max Pet Bond

2 weeks' rent

Max Total Bond
-
Up to 6 weeks' rent

Maximum Bonds at Different Weekly Rents

Weekly rent	Max general bond (4 wks)	Max pet bond (2 wks)	Max total bond (6 wks)

Your Bond Breakdown

Weekly rent-

Maximum general bond (4 weeks)-

Maximum pet bond (2 weeks)-

Maximum total bond (6 weeks)-

Key Points to Check

Pet bond requires consent?Yes

Pet bonds per tenancyOne only

Pet bond for assist dog?Not allowed

Bonds lodged via Bond Hub from29 Jun 2026

Charging a pet bond with no petUp to $1,500

Charging more than 2 weeks' pet bondUp to $3,000

Summary: Enter your weekly rent above.

How Pet Bonds Work in New Zealand

From 1 December 2025, New Zealand landlords can charge a pet bond when they agree to let a tenant keep a pet at the property. The pet bond is separate from, and on top of, the ordinary bond. It gives the landlord extra security against damage caused by a pet, while still being capped so it stays affordable for tenants. These changes were introduced by the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024.

The maximum pet bond is 2 weeks' rent. The maximum general bond remains 4 weeks' rent. When both apply, the combined total bond a landlord can hold is capped at 6 weeks' rent. Before 1 December 2025 there was no pet bond and the maximum total bond was 4 weeks' rent.

Worked Example

Take the default weekly rent of $600:

Maximum general bond = 4 weeks x $600 = $2,400
Maximum pet bond = 2 weeks x $600 = $1,200
Maximum total bond = 6 weeks x $600 = $3,600

So at $600 a week, a landlord who consents to a pet can ask for a total bond of up to $3,600, made up of a $2,400 general bond and a $1,200 pet bond.

Bond Limits at a Glance

Bond	Maximum	When it applies
General bond	4 weeks' rent	Any tenancy
Pet bond	2 weeks' rent	Only where the landlord consents to a pet
Total bond	6 weeks' rent	Combined cap when a pet bond is charged

Important Rules About Pet Bonds

One pet bond per tenancy. A landlord can only charge a single pet bond, no matter how many pets are approved. They cannot charge a separate bond for each animal.
Consent is required. A pet bond can only be charged if the landlord has agreed to the tenant keeping the pet. No consent means no pet bond.
No pet bond for disability assist dogs. A landlord cannot charge a pet bond for a recognised disability assist dog.
Rent increases. If the rent goes up, the landlord can ask the tenant to top up the bond so it stays within the allowed number of weeks' rent.
Bond Hub. From 29 June 2026, all bonds (including the pet bond) are lodged and managed through the new Bond Hub system.

Penalties for Getting It Wrong

The rules are backed by penalties through the Tenancy Tribunal:

Charging a pet bond when there is no pet at the property: up to $1,500.
Charging a pet bond of more than 2 weeks' rent: up to $3,000.

If a tenant believes they have been charged an unlawful pet bond, they can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to have it sorted out.

How a Pet Bond Is Used

Like the general bond, the pet bond is held as security. At the end of the tenancy, the landlord can apply to use the pet bond toward the cost of repairing pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear. If there is no such damage, the pet bond is refunded to the tenant in the same way as the general bond. Both bonds must be lodged rather than kept directly by the landlord.

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Sources: Tenancy Services pet bond rules (tenancy.govt.nz). Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 (legislation.govt.nz).

This calculator provides general information based on the New Zealand bond rules that took effect on 1 December 2025. The maximums shown are the legal caps; a landlord may charge less. This is not legal advice. For specific situations, check tenancy.govt.nz or contact Tenancy Services.