Ministers Tama Potaka, Chris Bishop and David Seymour at the pet picnic at Parliament. Photo: RNZ/Craig McCulloch
Ministers have hosted a pet picnic at Parliament to mark the beginning of new 'pet bond' rules for renters.
From 1 December, landlords can no longer refuse a tenant's request for a pet unless they have "reasonable grounds" to do so.
In exchange, they can require a pet bond of up to two weeks' rent to cover any damage caused.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop said the rule change marked "quite a shift" given the "real unwillingness" from many landlords to even consider taking on a tenant with a pet.
"The reality at the moment is it's a hard no for almost everyone, and what we're doing is shifting that to yes unless there are good reasons not to."
Asked for examples of what would qualify as reasonable grounds, Bishop said those circumstances would be considered by the Tenancy Tribunal.
ACT leader David Seymour pointed to the support from Pet Refuge who said some people delayed leaving dangerous situations because they feared leaving their pet behind.
"It's worth it for that, if nothing else."
ACT leader David Seymour with Lord Leo aka 'Minister of Canine Affairs'. Photo: RNZ/Craig McCulloch
Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka said Tenancy Services had put huge time and effort into upgrading their IT systems to manage the new bond system.
"I'm a cat man myself, but I look after the dogs too, giving them a pat, especially those worker dogs like Huntaways."
Ministers have hosted a pet picnic at Parliament. Photo: RNZ/Craig McCulloch
Bishop's well-known Samoyed, Ladyhawke, did not attend the Monday picnic, after she derailed the initial announcement last year.
"A year or so ago, she was quite excitable," Bishop said. "But I can tell you for free, Ladyhawke is a strong supporter of this policy."
Seymour brought along a giant dog owned by his staff - a Leonberger named Lord Leo, who Seymour dubbed "Minister of Canine Affairs".
"Leo's been having to live under my desk recently, and his accommodation options have just wildly increased."
The new rules were secured as part of ACT's coalition agreement with the National Party.
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