Making changes to a rental property

If you want to make any changes to the property, you can do so if:

• your lease allows it, or
• your landlord gives you written permission.

A landlord cannot unreasonably refuse consent for minor changes. 

The following are considered minor changes, for which a landlord is not permitted to refuse consent:

• securing furniture to a wall (other than a tiled wall) if needed for the safe use of the furniture
• fitting a childproof latch to an exterior gate of a single dwelling
• inserting fly screens on windows
• installing or replacing an internal window covering e.g. curtains or removable blinds
• installing cleats or cord guides to secure blind or curtain cords
• installing child safety gates indoors
• installing window safety devices for child safety
• installing hand-held shower heads or lever-style taps for the purpose of assisting elderly or disabled people
• installing or replacing hooks, nails or screws for hanging paintings, picture frames and other similar items
• installing any phone or internet access line and any equipment associated with the provision of the service
• planting vegetables, flowers, herbs or shrubs if
  • existing vegetation or plants do not need to be removed, and
  • the shrubs will not grow to more than 2 metres in height
• installing a wireless removable outdoor security camera. Note: The Surveillance Devices Act 2007 regulates the installation, use and maintenance of surveillance devices.
• applying shatter-resistant film to windows or glass doors,
• making a modification that does not penetrate or permanently modify a surface, fixture or the structure of the premises.

Please note: This does not apply if a property is listed on the loose-fill asbestos insulation register, or if the property is a heritage property. Some restrictions and exclusions also apply to property in a strata scheme, residential land lease community, or to social housing properties.

Unless the landlord agrees to pay for these changes, tenants will need to pay for them. 

A landlord can refuse permission for a minor change if it is reasonable to do so.

If a tenant cannot get approval to make a minor change, they can take their dispute to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).