When Do Rental Property Modifications Become Damage?

Making a rental property a home can involve a few modifications on a tenant’s part, such as putting up picture hooks to hang art, adding safety devices, painting or even planting a garden. However, when does a modification become damage?

In Queensland, fixtures can only be added, and structural changes can only be made, with the Landlord or Property Manager’s written consent and they do not have to agree to the request if they give a good reason.

Regardless of the type of damage a tenant, their child, pet or guest has caused (be it accidental, malicious or intentional), the tenant is responsible for fixing it.

Modifications to a rental property that go against state legislation are considered to be damage that was caused intentionally (on purpose). The damage could range from the minor, such as picture hooks in the wall, to the major, such as repainting the entire property or even building works.

Depending on the policy, landlord insurance can provide financial protection if the tenant does not make good on their obligation to repair damage they have caused. Insurance providers may cover the three types of damage listed above, a combination, or no damage.

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