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. Its outdoor areas were a large deck and a section at the back of the property that was shared with other units. A property manager appeared for the landlord at the tribunal hearing, and said the owner was concerned about the suitability of the deck for dogs and the noise for other people in the building.…