A long-standing clause in council tenancy agreements stated that "tenants must not keep any animals on the premises or grounds."
The clause had not been enforced until 2019, when a tenant had been breeding birds in a flat at one of the complexes, causing a flurry of complaints to the council.
Council's response was to enact the clause, and some Puriri St tenants contacted the Chronicle to say they had been asked to rehome their pets or face eviction.
The story, when shared on social media, drew a sympathetic public response and there was some outrage on behalf of the tenants.
Mayor Hamish McDouall said this week that he had been on the receiving end of some vitriolic messages.
"We became pet-haters, rather than just a council following a policy that had been there for decades," he said.
McDouall commended councillor Josh Chandulal Mackay, who was absent from the meeting, for "leading the charge" for a review of the tenancy rules.
"It was right to review the policy, and we want to be an age-friendly city. We want to be a place where companion animals of the appropriate species are able to give succour to people as they grow older."
Deputy mayor Jenny Duncan said she had always been supportive of pets living in pensioner housing.
"I'm very, very pleased that we have landed where we have," she said.
Hadleigh Reid asked council officer Elise Broadbent, who delivered the report, if the negative feedback received related only to cats.
"So, there were no negative comments about birds or fish?" he asked.
Broadbent said there had not been any, and Reid asked if birds and fish should then be allowed in all complexes.
"Yes, I think we should consider that. It really is only an issue with cats."
The committee approved the recommendation to expand the policy, allowing pets at several council housing complexes.
Committee chairwoman Kate Joblin commended council housing officers for their excellent work in supporting tenants and informing councillors.
The revised policy will be presented at the council meeting in September, and the new policy is expected to become active from December.
The council's housing service provides social housing for older people who are able to live independently. There are 275 units across 16 complexes.