Can I alter my rental property?
When you move into a rental property, it’s natural to want to personalise that space, adding your own possessions, character, and decorative touches.
But how far can you go? Can you swap the curtains or hang pictures, and what if you need to connect pay TV or the NBN?
Let’s look at what you can and can’t alter in a rental property, and what needs to occur first…
Easy alterations
Basically, if it’s not permanent and it doesn’t damage the property or change its structure, you can go ahead and add that personal touch without permission.
For example, you can swap curtains, providing you use the existing rods and fixtures. You could also swap an overhead light shade, providing no alteration to the actual fitting is required.
You can also add an umbrella, providing it’s portable and not fixed to the ground.
In each of these scenarios, the addition is easily removable without needing to remedy or fix something, so does not require permission.
That said, you will need to return the property to its original condition when you vacate at the end of the rental agreement.
When you need permission
On the flipside, if an addition is likely to ‘alter’ the property in a more permanent way, more often than not permission is required, but it also depends on what state you’re in and the type of property you’re renting.
For example, even minor alterations such as the installation of picture hooks requires permission in Queensland.
In NSW, permission is also required, but the property owner cannot refuse minor alterations, and the property must be returned to its original condition when the renter vacates.
Meanwhile, in Victoria, you can install picture hooks without permission, providing it’s not a heritage-listed property.
It can be a bit confusing
The bottom line is, it can be a bit confusing as to when permission is required.
As a rule of thumb, it’s best to contact your property manager and ask for permission, rather than making an alteration that could get you into trouble, and perhaps even cost you your bond.
How to seek permission
If you are looking to make a change to a property, make the request to your property manager in writing.
Be specific about what it is you’re looking to alter, including the exact location of the modification, what’s involved, and how you will go about returning the property to its original condition at the end of the rental agreement.
The property owner will then consider this request and provide a response in writing.
Word to the wise
As natural as it is to want to make a property feel like home, it’s important to remember that the residence is the property owner’s investment, and they will require a say in how the property is to be modified or altered.
How we can help
Our experienced property managers pride themselves on establishing great relationships with both rental occupiers and owners.
We manage every property as if it were our own and you can learn more about our property management services here.
Alternatively, if you are looking to rent a property, you can view the properties we currently have available here.
