Tenant loses pet dispute as tribunal orders dog removal

A quiet rental home in a small housing block became the centre of a pet dispute when a tenant kept a dog without consent. The landlord relied on a clearly written pet policy, and the tenant never replied to the notice sent to them. With no challenge or proof, the Tenancy Tribunal Kainga Ora dog removal order ended with the dog being asked to go.

Case study overview 

This case study focused on whether the tenant could keep a dog at a small rental unit even though their agreement required landlord consent for all pets. The landlord said the dog was too large for the property and asked the Tribunal for an order confirming removal. The Tribunal agreed and ordered the tenant to remove the dog by a set date and not bring any animal back without permission.

Such a ruling confirmed that the landlord’s pet policy was part of the tenancy agreement and had been ignored. The Tribunal also noted that the tenant did not attend the hearing or provide evidence to challenge the landlord’s concerns. Here, the evident importance of silence and lack of communication can lead to a direct order against a tenant, even when the animal has not caused harm.

Read the full decision here (PDF link)

Why this case matters

This case matters because it shows how a pet can be removed even when it is friendly, healthy, and not causing damage. The core issue was not behaviour, but rather consent and suitability.

The ruling also shows that landlords can rely on written pet policies once tenants ignore requests for information. It proves that a Tribunal will support a landlord when the policy is clear, and the tenant does not respond, similar to outcomes seen in other Tribunal decisions involving pet-related disputes, such as this pet damage rental property Tribunal ruling.

Understanding the main issue

The heart of this case is the rule that tenants must have written permission before keeping a pet at a rental property. The tenancy agreement included a pet policy requiring approval, proof of registration, and evidence that the animal was suitable for the space, steps typically managed through property management services. Because none of this was supplied, the Tribunal accepted the landlord’s concerns about the size of the dog and the limits of the unit.

Pet rules in fixed housing units

Many rental homes have limited outdoor space and shared walls. In this case, the unit had a very small yard and shared features that made pet management harder. The landlord assessed the space as unsuitable for a medium-sized dog. 

Consent and communication

The tenant did not attend the hearing or provide documents to support their right to keep the dog. The Tribunal relied on the landlord’s evidence because there was nothing to weigh against it. Lack of engagement can make the Tribunal assume the tenant cannot meet the policy conditions. 

Pet policy expectations

The landlord’s policy required evidence about safety, size, council rules, behaviour, and potential for damage. These rules were written into the tenancy agreement. Because the tenant provided no information, the Tribunal had no reason to believe the policy was satisfied. 

Removal order

The Tribunal ordered removal because the policy had been breached and the notice to remove the dog had been ignored. The order also set a clear future rule: animals cannot be kept at the home unless permission is given first.  

How tenants should deal with pets at rental homes

Request approval before bringing a pet home

Tenants should talk to their landlord before keeping any animal. This avoids conflict later and protects the tenancy.

Provide full information

Photos, registration papers, breed details, and council compliance make approval more likely. If a landlord raises questions, answer them quickly.

Attend hearings

Tenants should respond to notices and appear at Tribunal hearings. Silence removes the chance to defend their position.  

How property managers should handle pet approval and removal requests

Give the pet policy in writing at sign-up

Property managers should provide clear written pet rules within the tenancy agreement. Doing this early removes confusion and prevents later misunderstanding, as shown across Staircase’s case-based insights.

Request full details before granting approval

Information such as breed, size, registration status, and behaviour should be recorded. This forms a fair base for approving or declining a request.

Record all notice steps

In this case, issuing a 14-day notice and documenting the response supported the landlord’s case. Keeping communication records helps prove compliance with the process. 

Assess property suitability

Managers should physically check outdoor space, fencing, access points, and shared areas when reviewing dog requests. Evidence-based reasoning reduces dispute risk.

Common mistakes that lead to disputes

This case shows how pet disputes start when agreements are unclear.

Keeping a pet without approval

Bringing an animal into a rental without permission results in removal orders and a

breach of contract.

Ignoring notices from the landlord

If tenants do not respond to notices, they lose the chance to negotiate.

Assuming behaviour equals approval

A friendly pet may still be unsuitable for the space.

Failure to provide evidence

Without paperwork, landlords cannot confirm responsibility or safety.

Communication failure

Avoiding the conversation makes a dispute almost certain.

Key points to remember about pet approval in rentals

Pets are welcome in many rentals, but they depend on consent, space, and safety. Ignoring a written policy can lead to direct removal orders, even if the animal is well-behaved. This case shows how strong documentation and clear consent rules decide outcomes.

• Approval must be written

• Size and space matter

• Silence weakens the tenant’s case

• Policies are binding and constantly effective

• Notices must be answered promptly

To reduce the risk of pet-related disputes, clear processes and early guidance matter. Staircase supports tenants and landlords with structured approval steps, documented notices, and tenancy rules applied consistently.

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