Pet Bond Calculator NZ
This calculator works out the maximum pet bond, general bond and combined total bond a landlord can lawfully charge in New Zealand under the rules that took effect on 1 December 2025. Knowing the correct caps matters because charging more than the law allows can trigger a Tenancy Tribunal penalty. Simply enter your weekly rent, or pick one of the quick preset amounts, and the calculator instantly returns the maximum general bond (4 weeks' rent), the maximum pet bond (2 weeks' rent), and the maximum total bond (6 weeks' rent) a landlord can ask for. A comparison table shows these figures across a range of common weekly rents, a breakdown box sets out your own numbers side by side, and a checklist covers the key rules to watch, including that a pet bond needs the landlord's consent, only one pet bond applies per tenancy regardless of how many pets are approved, and no pet bond can be charged for a disability assist dog. It also flags that all bonds, including the pet bond, move to the new Bond Hub lodgement system from 29 June 2026. Use it before signing a tenancy agreement or requesting a bond to check you are within the legal limits. The figures shown are the maximum allowed by law, a landlord may choose to charge less, and this is general information rather than legal advice.
1. Your Rent
2. Bond Limits (Fixed by Law)
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 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
Key Points to Check
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.
Related Calculators
- Rent Affordability Calculator: work out how much rent you can comfortably afford.
- Essential Calculators: more everyday New Zealand money and household tools.
- Renting With Pets: Pet Bonds and Your Rights: the background to this calculation.
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.