EDITORIALNew bond offers paws for thought not answers

• Published date: 16 April 2024
• Publication title: Whanganui Chronicle

Housing Minister Chris Bishop and his dog, Ladyhawke, made the announcement in the afternoon, alongside Act leader and Regulations Minister David Seymour

“Anyone who has ever tried to find a pet-friendly rental property will know how hard it is, so we’re going to make it easier,” Bishop said, adding that “more landlords would be willing to allow pets if they could protect themselves from some of the risks”.

The policy was one the Act Party campaigned on in the lead-up to the election and then went on to secure in the coalition agreement with National.

While the announcement was fairly slim on details, the new policy will make tenants liable for all pet damage to properties beyond fair wear and tear, whether accidental or deliberate. It also states tenants can only have a pet or pets with the landlord’s consent and the landlord can withhold consent on reasonable grounds.

While it is likely to be welcome news for many renters with pets, it is not without its issues. The new policy will see renters paying an extra bond of up to two weeks’ rent in order to be able to secure a rental for themselves and their pet. With moving houses and securing a rental property being such a costly exercise already, this bond is not likely to be something many renters can afford.

It also...