Landlords vs. Pets: The Weirdest Tenancy Battles in New Zealand History
Pet ownership in rentals has always caused friction, but recent tenancy cases in New Zealand show just how bizarre things can get. Now that renters need formal permission to keep animals, the conflicts look even stranger, from approvals suddenly being pulled back to cases where “pets” turned out to be something far beyond a cat or dog. These aren’t minor misunderstandings, but full-blown legal disputes involving animals and property damage.
Sheep Carcass Dispute Ends in Compensation
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A landlord accused a tenant of dumping a sheep carcass into the septic tank. The occupant denied it and claimed they had no idea how it got there. They did admit to owning a goat, which broke a window, but that wasn’t enough to shift blame. The tribunal sided with the renter and ordered the owner to pay nearly $1,000 for other tenancy breaches.
Support Parrot Weakens Meth Claims
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A tenant pushed back against meth contamination allegations with an unexpected ally: their support parrot. The bird showed no signs of illness or stress, which undercut the idea that the home had been unsafe. The case faltered further when it became clear that no baseline meth test had been carried out before the tenant moved in, leaving the landlord with little to stand on.
Short Tenancy, Major Losses
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One Christchurch tenant stayed just over three months before the property manager ended the agreement. During that time, two puppies wreaked havoc. The dogs urinated throughout the house and contaminated the carpet, furniture, and flooring. The tribunal reviewed the evidence and awarded $8,000 in damages.
Legal Gaps Sparked Multiple Complaints
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When the Auckland landlord revoked the cat’s permission, the occupant didn’t do something as simple as argue over the allergy excuse. They filed complaints about the lease itself, since there was no written tenancy agreement and no bond lodged with the Bond Centre. The authorities agreed that those were clear violations of the Residential Tenancies Act.
Pet Lamb Among Dozens of Animals
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A Pukekohe renter kept a lamb inside a three-story townhouse, along with cats, kittens, and multiple dogs. Over more than a year, the animals caused significant harm. Urine smells remained after repeated cleanings, and fleas infested the floors. The property owner replaced the carpet and carried out extensive repairs.