The Auckland Property Investors Association (APIA) works tirelessly to support a fair and accountable rental sector and have played a key role in shaping the latest version of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill.
One of the main changes that they’re campaigning for is a provision making it unlawful for tenants to keep pets without first getting their landlord’s consent – a move which has been recommended by the Select Committee in the spirit of creating a more balanced, respectful rental market.
Accountability is the Name of the Game
“Making unauthorised pet ownership unlawful is a step toward building accountability in the rental system,” says APIA General Manager Sarina Gibbon. The goal here isn’t to ban pets from rentals but to ensure that tenants respect property owners’ rights.
By requiring landlord consent, tenants can feel more assured that pet ownership will be managed responsibly. It sets the stage for landlords to consider pet requests, knowing there are enforceable boundaries in place.
Landlords Warming Up to Pets
APIA recently surveyed over 3,200 landlords, and guess what? The sector is already showing a positive shift toward pet-friendly rentals:
– A whopping 64.8% of landlords are open to allowing pets in some or all of their properties.
This is huge! It shows that with a proper framework, many landlords are willing to welcome pets. Pet-friendly rentals aren’t just a pipe dream—they’re becoming a reality under the right conditions.
Strengthening the Rules for Everyone’s Benefit
While making unauthorised pet ownership unlawful is a solid start, APIA believes we can do more to strengthen the framework and support compliance.
To build trust and ensure fairness, they’re campaigning for reasonable pet conditions and consequences if those conditions are breached. For instance, if a landlord agrees to a tenant keeping a cat, setting conditions like regular flea treatments can help maintain standards. But if a tenant fails to meet these conditions, landlords should have a way to address it.
Right now, the new provisions don’t include specific penalties for breaching agreed-upon conditions, which could undermine the purpose of setting them in the first place.
APIA’s Proposed Enhancements
To make the system more effective and fair for both landlords and tenants, APIA suggests the following tweaks:
– Increase Penalties: Raise the maximum penalty for keeping pets without landlord consent from $750 to $1,500 for breaches of agreed-upon pet conditions. This aligns with other pet-related provisions and sets a clearer standard.
– Define Reasonable Conditions: Establish a clear list of what’s expected in terms of pet care and property upkeep.
– Consistency in Enforcement: Ensure that penalties are applied consistently so everyone understands their rights and responsibilities
Why Clear Rules Matter
A rental sector with transparent rules and reliable consequences benefits everyone. When landlords and tenants have a clear and mutual understanding, it builds the trust necessary to expand pet-friendly options. The survey shows that 99% of landlords agree that consent should be required for pets, underscoring the support for a fair, rule-based approach.
By giving landlords assurance that they have recourse if issues arise, they’re more likely to consider allowing pets in their properties.
Looking Ahead to a Pet-Friendly Rental Market
Creating a thriving pet-friendly rental market relies on cooperation, respect, and clear boundaries. APIA’s continued advocacy focuses on fostering an environment where both landlords and tenants feel confident about pet ownership in rentals. This isn’t about making it harder to own pets but about creating a fair system where everyone’s rights are respected.
With structured, enforceable rules, landlords can confidently say “yes” to pets, knowing they have support if needed. This balance of accountability and flexibility has the potential to make pet-friendly rentals the norm, benefiting tenants, landlords, and our furry friends alike.
So there you have it! Some exciting developments that could make renting with pets a whole lot easier. As always, keep an eye out for more updates, and let’s work together to make the rental market better for everyone.
