Story perspectives

Tribunal Forces Landlord to Allow Tenant’s Dog, Sets Bond

6/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Brett Carter applied the new pet-consent law to let tenants keep dog Woody.
The landlord refused, citing the townhouse’s size, neighbour proximity and nuisance risk.
The tribunal ruled the landlord could not unreasonably withhold consent, granting permission.
Carter ordered a pet bond equal to two weeks’ rent and carpet cleaning at tenancy end.
Although tenants breached the Residential Tenancies Act, the landlord chose not to pursue exemplary damages.

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Story summary

Brett Carter applied the new pet-consent law to let tenants keep dog Woody.
The landlord refused, citing the townhouse’s size, neighbour proximity and nuisance risk.
The tribunal ruled the landlord could not unreasonably withhold consent, granting permission.
Carter ordered a pet bond equal to two weeks’ rent and carpet cleaning at tenancy end.
Although tenants breached the Residential Tenancies Act, the landlord chose not to pursue exemplary damages.