Rules for Fixtures and Alterations at Rental Properties

There may be a time when your tenants request to make alterations or additions to the property they’re renting to make it more “livable” for them. However, they cannot make these alterations unless the Landlord gives them permission to do so.

Before any alteration or addition of fixtures are carried out, the following should be established first:

• Requests should be put in writing.
• The nature of the fixture or alterations should be described.
• Include information as to how the fixture can be removed or how the property can be restored back to its former state if need be.

It’s worth considering your tenant’s needs, but they must keep in mind that the property they’re living in is owned by the Landlord and that any changes made to it could affect the property’s value in the long-term.

Landlords can only refuse installations or alterations. In the event that the tenant feels like the you are being unreasonable for withholding consent, they may apply to the Tribunal for an order allowing alteration or installation of fixture to the property.

If you did not consent to an alteration, you can either apply to the Tribunal or renounce the breach.

The Landlord can opt to take legal action by applying to the Tribunal. If your appeal is successful, the fixture may be removed and you may receive compensation.

Alternatively, instead of treating it as a breach, you can waive the change or the fixture installation and treat it as a property improvement instead.For your free investment property health check, please contact 07 3123 7373 or lauren@rentalresults.com.au