It has been the case for a long time, about 10 years, that a landlord cannot refuse a tenant asking to make minor changes to the premises.  The change that we see here is that the items have been specified for the first time, making it easier for us as agents to be able to advise you regarding this area.

The tenant must still inform a landlord that they are making these changes to the property, but the landlord is not able to withhold their consent for these requests.  Below is a list of the items that have been deemed acceptable for a tenant to complete.

* securing furniture to a non-tiled wall for safety reasons

* fitting a childproof latch to an outdoor gate of a single dwelling

* inserting fly screens on windows

* installing or replacing an internal window covering (i.e. curtains)

* installing cleats or cord guides to secure blind or curtain cords

* installing child safety gates inside the property

* installing window safety devices for child safety

* installing hand-held shower heads or lever-style taps to assist elderly or disabled    occupants

* installing or replacing hooks, nails or screws for hanging paintings, picture frames and other similar items

* installing a carriage service to connect a phone line or to access the internet and any associated facility or customer equipment

* planting vegetables, flowers, herbs or shrubs (shrubs that don’t grow more than 2 meters) in the garden if existing vegetation or plants do not need to be removed

* installing a wireless removable outdoor security camera

* applying shatter-resistant film to window or glass doors

* making modifications that don’t penetrate a surface, or permanently modify a surface, fixture or structure of the property.

As the landlord you are able to require that the installation of a phone carriage service or a hand held shower rose be carried out by a qualified tradesperson.

Damage and removing modifications

The tenant is still responsible for any damage that is caused to the property, which includes if they make any of the aforementioned modifications to the property.  The tenant is still required to leave the premises in the same condition that they were given it, with disregard to fair wear and tear.

This means that if they secure a set of drawers to the wall of a bedroom, for example, they will be required to remove the fitting and repair the area so that it is not noticeable, when they vacate the property.  The tenant may only remove items that the landlord has not paid for.

Some modifications you might agree for the tenant to leave in the property at the end of the tenancy, for example, if the tenant installed some picture hooks to the lounge room, you might like these to be left in place for future tenants to use.

We will be ensuring that we cover off on these requirements when you provide your approval for the work to go ahead.  If a tenant is asking to install an item, our office will have them sign a form, stating what the modification is and if you as the landlord will require them to remove it or leave it in place when they vacate the property.

The above list is not exhaustive by any means and I feel that it may extend to cover requests for items such as installing wall mounted television bracket for example.

You can read this section of the Act by clicking here

If you have questions regarding these changes, or would like to chat to me about the new laws, you can call me at the office on 63525125.