We haven’t prepared a plain language version of this yet

We haven’t created a plain language version of this legislation yet. We’re working through New Zealand’s laws to make them more accessible to everyone, focusing on areas that impact the most people first.

If you’d like to see this particular legislation explained in plain language, please email us at hello@ackama.com with the subject “Plain language law” and mention this page — we’ll be happy to add it to our priority list.

Request a plain language version

Part 2Tenancy agreements
Rights and obligations of parties

42EWritten consent for tenant to keep pet

  1. If the tenant makes a written request to the landlord for consent for the tenant to keep a pet on the premises, the landlord must respond in writing within 21 days of receiving the request.

  2. The landlord’s response must include—

  3. the landlord’s decision on whether consent is given or refused; and
    1. if consent is given, any reasonable conditions attached to the consent; and
      1. if consent is refused, the grounds for the refusal.
        1. The landlord’s response may set out details of—

        2. which pet or pets the consent applies to (for example, a specific pet, pets generally, a specified number of pets, or a specified type or breed of pet); and
          1. reasonable requirements relating to the characteristics of the pet or pets (for example, relating to size or breed).
            1. The landlord must not—

            2. refuse consent without reasonable grounds; or
              1. attach an unreasonable condition to the consent.
                1. A landlord who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with subsection (1) commits an unlawful act.

                2. A landlord who fails to comply with subsection (4)(a) commits an unlawful act.

                Notes
                • Section 42E: inserted, on , by section 20 of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 52).