What you need to know about a tenant making changes to a rental property
When anyone moves into a property, it’s understandable they may want to make some changes more to their taste.
Tenants can make changes but the key point is, they have to the landlord’s written consent, or if the tenancy agreement permits it.
Here’s what you need to know about tenants wanting to make changes to your property
What changes can a tenant make?
If the tenant makes a request to make a change, and the request is considered ‘minor’ then the landlord must not unreasonably withhold consent.
Changes that are considered ‘minor’ include:
- 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 e.g. curtains and removeable blinds
- installing child safety gates inside the property
- installing window safety devices for child safety
- installing or replacing hooks, nails or screws for hanging paintings, picture frames and other similar items
- planting vegetables, flowers, herbs or shrubs (shrubs that don’t grow more than 2 metres) in the garden if existing vegetation or plants do not need to be removed
It’s also worth noting, a landlord may require some of these ‘minor’ changes be carried out by a qualified person, such as:
- installing hand-held shower heads or lever-style taps to assist elderly or disabled occupants
- installing a phone line or internet connection.
Who pays for the changes?
Even if a tenant thinks a change would add value to the home, generally, the tenant must pay for changes they make to the property, unless the landlord agrees otherwise.
For example, a landlord may offer to cover the cost of some materials or reduce the rent if they believe the update will add value to the home, or they want to demonstrate appreciation to good, or long-term tenants.
Put in writing
Any agreed changes, including payments or reduction in rent must be put in writing. That way both parties fully understand what the agreement is and what will be done, and who is paying for what.
Leave the property as they found it
Except for general wear and tear, as a general rule, tenants should leave a rental property as they found it.
So, any changes a tenant makes must be rectified to reflect the original condition.
For example, if a tenant puts hooks in the wall, the holes must be filled and painted so the wall is in the same condition as when they moved in. If the property isn’t in the original condition, the landlord may seek compensation for the changes made to be put right.
For more information and examples of ‘minor’ changes, visit the Making changes to a rental property page on the NSW Government website here.
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