Finding the right balance between protecting a rental and attracting great tenants is already challenging, and pets add another layer of complexity. Pet ownership is high throughout Aotearoa, yet the supply of pet-friendly rentals is low, especially across Wellington and the Hutt Valley. Many households are prepared to pay more and sign longer agreements if they can keep their animals, but damaged carpets or barking complaints can quickly diminish returns. This article explores the main advantages and drawbacks of saying yes to pets and outlines the new tenancy rules arriving later in 2025 so landlords can make an informed decision.
Allowing pets opens the door to a significant segment of the market that often struggles to secure housing. More enquiries mean more choice, letting you select applicants with strong references and stable income, which in turn reduces vacancy periods and the advertising spend required to re-let a property.
Pet owners know how difficult it can be to move again, so they are inclined to renew at the end of each term. Fewer change-overs translate to lower letting fees, less wear from frequent moves and steadier cash flow across the year.
Because supply of pet-friendly homes is limited, owners can often justify a modest rent increase or negotiate a longer fixed-term lease. Even an extra ten or fifteen dollars per week can make a noticeable difference to annual yields without pricing good tenants out of the market.
Dogs in particular act as a deterrent to burglars and vandals, offering an extra layer of protection. Some insurers recognise this reduced risk, which may help offset any premium increase associated with pet damage cover.
A flexible approach to pets shows empathy and can improve online reviews and referrals. Landlords who accommodate pets frequently receive positive word-of-mouth and may experience fewer disputes because tenants feel valued.
Even the best-behaved animals can scratch timber floors, chew fittings or dig up gardens. Repairs take time and may delay the next tenancy, and while a pet bond helps cover costs, you still manage the administrative burden of organising trades.
Fur, dander and the occasional flea infestation require deep cleaning or fumigation. Odours can linger in curtains and carpet underlays, pushing up turnaround expenses after a long-term tenancy.
Barking dogs and wandering cats can disturb the peace and invite complaints to the Body Corporate or the local council. Repeated issues may form grounds to end a tenancy, but the process is neither quick nor pleasant.
Some landlord policies exclude damage caused by animals or charge sizable excesses. Without the right cover, you could face large out-of-pocket costs after a single incident.
Granting consent, lodging the additional bond and scheduling more frequent inspections all add paperwork. If you self-manage, good systems and clear documentation are vital; if you work with a manager, confirm that these tasks are included in the fee.
Allowing pets is not a universal solution, but with careful screening, strong clauses and the upcoming pet bond in place, many investors find the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Longer tenancies, lower vacancy and happier residents can improve both net returns and community goodwill, provided you have systems in place to manage damage and disputes. If you would like help crafting a policy for pets in your rental property in wellington, running background checks or lodging bonds, NZ Realty’s Casual Letting Service and Full Management plans are designed to keep your investment safe while capturing the upside of a growing pet-owning market. Request your Free Rental Assessment today or contact our team to learn more.
