Kainga Ora Pet Policies Explained

Kāinga Ora pets allowed status is generally positive, meaning tenants are permitted to keep pets in state housing provided they seek prior permission. To obtain approval, tenants must contact their Housing Support Manager, demonstrate that the property is suitable (secure fencing), and prove they can meet all responsibilities of ownership, including local council registration and microchipping requirements.

Understanding Kāinga Ora’s Stance on Pet Ownership

For many New Zealanders living in state housing, a pet is more than just an animal; they are a vital source of companionship, security, and mental well-being. Historically, rental markets—both private and public—have been restrictive regarding animal companionship. However, Kāinga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) has adopted a progressive approach that recognizes the importance of pets in creating a sense of home and community stability.

The core philosophy behind the current Kāinga Ora pets allowed policy is one of reasonable accommodation. Unlike many private landlords who may issue blanket “no pets” bans, Kāinga Ora assesses applications on a case-by-case basis. They aim to balance the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment of their home with the need to protect the property and the safety of the surrounding neighborhood.

It is important to understand that while the organization is pet-friendly, this does not grant tenants an automatic right to bring an animal onto the premises without process. Unauthorized pets can lead to tenancy tribunal hearings or breaches of the tenancy agreement. The policy is designed to ensure that the introduction of a pet does not negatively impact the housing asset or the peace of the community.

The Application Process: How to Get Approval

Navigating the bureaucratic process of state housing can be daunting, but applying for a pet is relatively straightforward if you follow the correct protocol. The process is designed to protect both you and the housing provider by establishing clear expectations from the outset.

Step 1: Contact Your Housing Support Manager

Your primary point of contact is your Housing Support Manager (HSM). You must inform them of your intention to get a pet before you bring the animal home. If you are a prospective tenant applying for a house, you should mention your pets during the initial application phase. This helps the placement team match you with a property that is already suitable, such as one with existing fencing.

Step 2: The Assessment

Once you have made a request, Kāinga Ora will conduct an assessment. This involves:

• Property Check: Verifying if the home has adequate space and security for the specific type of animal requested.
• Tenant History: Reviewing your history of tenancy to ensure there are no previous issues regarding property damage or nuisance.
• Pet Specifics: They will ask for details about the pet, including breed, size, age, and sex.

Step 3: Signing the Agreement

If approved, you will likely be asked to sign a variation to your tenancy agreement or a specific pet agreement. This document legally binds you to the rules regarding pet ownership on the property, including cleaning up after the animal and ensuring it does not become a nuisance.

Dog Safety Certification and Ownership Rules

Dogs attract the most scrutiny within the Kāinga Ora pets allowed framework due to the potential for noise, damage, and safety risks. Consequently, the rules for dog owners are more stringent than for those with cats or caged animals.

Council Registration and Microchipping

It is a non-negotiable requirement that all dogs must be registered with the local city or district council. You must provide proof of registration to your Housing Support Manager. Additionally, microchipping is mandatory in New Zealand for dogs registered for the first time after 1 July 2006. This ensures that if your dog escapes, it can be returned to you, preventing it from becoming a stray issue for the community.

Restricted Breeds and Behavioral History

Kāinga Ora follows the Dog Control Act 1996 regarding menacing and dangerous dogs. If you own a breed that is classified as menacing (such as Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, or American Pit Bull Terrier types), strict muzzling and fencing requirements apply. While Kāinga Ora does not automatically ban these breeds, the safety threshold for approval is significantly higher. You must demonstrate that you are a responsible owner and that the dog poses no threat to neighbors or staff visiting the property.

For authoritative information on dog control laws in New Zealand, you can refer to the Department of Internal Affairs, which outlines the statutory obligations for all dog owners.

Property Suitability and Fencing Requirements

One of the most common reasons a pet application is declined is the lack of suitable fencing. Kāinga Ora has a duty of care to ensure that properties are safe and that dogs cannot roam freely, which creates liability issues and neighborhood conflict.

Fencing Standards

For a dog to be approved, the property usually requires a fully fenced area. The fence must be:

• High enough to prevent the specific breed of dog from jumping over.
• Secure at ground level to prevent digging under.
• Gated with a latch that works effectively.

Who Pays for Fencing?

This is a common point of confusion. generally, if a property is not already fenced, Kāinga Ora is not obligated to install fencing solely for the purpose of a tenant’s pet. However, there are exceptions. If the tenant requires a disability assist dog, Kāinga Ora will work to ensure the property is modified to accommodate the dog. In other cases, tenants may ask for permission to install temporary fencing or pay for fencing themselves, but this constitutes an alteration to the property and requires written consent.

Shared Driveways and Apartments

Living in high-density housing or properties with shared driveways complicates pet ownership. In these scenarios, the “property suitability” test is harder to pass. For example, a large dog is unlikely to be approved for an upper-level apartment with no private garden. However, cats or small indoor pets are often permitted in these environments, provided they do not disturb neighbors in close proximity.

Specific Rules for Cats and Small Animals

While dogs require fencing and registration, other pets have their own set of considerations under the Kāinga Ora pets allowed policy.

Cats

Cats are generally easier to get approved than dogs because they do not require fencing. However, tenants are responsible for ensuring their cats do not cause damage to the interior of the home (such as clawing carpets or curtains). To prevent issues, tenants should provide scratching posts and ensure litter trays are kept clean to avoid odor complaints.

Caged Animals and Aquariums

Small animals like hamsters, guinea pigs, and birds usually receive quick approval. However, large aquariums can pose a risk of water damage. If you plan to install a large fish tank, you must discuss the weight bearing capacity of the floor and potential leak risks with your Housing Support Manager.

Livestock and Poultry

In most suburban state housing areas, keeping livestock (goats, pigs, sheep) or poultry (chickens, roosters) is prohibited due to council bylaws regarding urban zoning. Roosters, in particular, are almost universally banned in residential areas due to noise. If you live in a rural Kāinga Ora property, different rules may apply, but you must check local council regulations first.

Managing Neighbor Relations and Dispute Resolution

Even with approval, retaining the right to keep a pet depends on your ability to manage neighborly relations. The Residential Tenancies Act protects the neighbors’ right to “quiet enjoyment,” and a constantly barking dog is a breach of this right.

Noise Control

If your dog barks excessively, neighbors have the right to complain to both the local council and Kāinga Ora. If complaints are substantiated, you may be issued a “Notice to Remedy” by your Housing Support Manager. Failure to address the noise issue can lead to the revocation of permission to keep the pet or, in extreme cases, termination of the tenancy.

Aggressive Behavior

Aggression is treated with zero tolerance. If a pet attacks a neighbor, a visitor, or a contractor working on the property, legal action can be taken. This often involves Animal Control seizing the animal and Kāinga Ora initiating eviction proceedings for antisocial behavior. It is vital to socialize your pets and keep them under control at all times.

Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises regarding your pet, the first step is open communication with your neighbor. If that fails, Kāinga Ora will mediate. They will investigate the complaint objectively. As a tenant, keeping a log of your pet’s behavior and any training you are undertaking can be helpful evidence that you are a responsible owner.

For further reading on tenant rights and responsibilities regarding pets, Tenancy Services NZ provides comprehensive guidelines that apply to all rental situations in New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions