A Christchurch landlord, who tried to stop tenants from adopting a golden labrador in a unit within a three-level building, has been overruled by the Tenancy Tribunal in its first ruling on "pet consent" rules.

Tenancy Tribunal principal adjudicator Brett Carter issued the ruling on 1 May, suppressing the names of those involved.

Tenancy rules changed on 1 December, preventing landlords from unreasonably withholding consent for pets, but allowing them to charge a pet bond.

The Christchurch tenants wanted to adopt a golden labrador puppy, after previously fostering dogs, while living elsewhere.

The landlord refused.

Photographs advertising the property showed a cat.…