Some of the headline changes include:
• A pet bond capped at two weeks’ rent, separate from the standard four-week tenancy bond.
• Landlords must respond within 21 days of receiving a request.
• Refusal must be based on valid grounds such as property suitability, body corporate rules, or proven behavioural issues.
• Tenants remain liable for any pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear.
For landlords, Snelling says the most pressing issue is that requests received by 4 December 2025 will require a response before Christmas.“ New legislation undoubtedly incurs more administration for landlords, so if you need help, our professional property management team has all the guidance, including advisory services and a new‘ Pet Guide’ to help navigate this change with clarity.”
METHAMPHETAMINE: STANDARDISED AT LAST
If pets are the story for Christmas, methamphetamine testing is the headline of the new year.
The Government has confirmed that a new national standard will be introduced in early 2026, following years of confusion over acceptable contamination levels.
At present, the Gluckman Report and Tenancy Tribunal rulings consider any reading below 15 micrograms per 100cm₂ of surface area to be safe for habitation, while the existing New Zealand Standard( NZS) guideline suggests a stricter threshold.
“ The proposed new standard will likely settle near 30 micrograms per 100cm₂, aligning New Zealand with best international practice and striking a sensible balance between safety, science, and public health,” Snelling says.
“ The inconsistency of the last few years has been incredibly difficult for landlords and tenants. We’ ve seen insurance claims denied, tenancies terminated, and homes unnecessarily vacant owing to conflicting advice.
“ This new framework should finally bring certainty to a space very much in need.”
Ray White continues to update its Methamphetamine Guides for landlords and tenants to help stakeholders understand the new direction of travel.
“ Professional property managers are ready for these changes. Our teams have the testing partners, protocols, and educational resources to support landlords in staying compliant and confident in the health and safety of their assets.”
RAY WHITE NOW NEW ZEALAND | 28