Making Modifications In Rental Properties

Under Victorian rental laws, renters are allowed to make certain modifications to their homes without the consent of the rental provider (the landlord), while other modifications will need consent. At the end of the rental agreement, all modifications must be reversed, unless otherwise agreed to.

Modifications allowed without consent

Please note that if the property is listed under the Heritage Act 2017 (which must be disclosed), some of these items below will not apply, check with your Property Manager.

• picture hooks or screws for wall mounts, shelves or brackets on surfaces other than brick walls,
• wall anchoring devices on surfaces other than brick walls to secure furniture,
• LED light globes which do not require new light fittings,
• low flow shower heads (if original shower head is kept),
• blind or chord anchors,
• hardware mounted child safety gates on walls other than brick walls,
• security lights, alarm systems or security cameras that: a) do not impact on the privacy of neighbours, b) can easily be removed, c) are not hardwired,
• non-permanent window film for insulation or privacy,
• a wireless doorbell,
• replacement curtains if the original curtains are retained,
• adhesive child safety locks on drawers and doors,
• pressure mounted child safety gates,
• a lock on a letterbox

For all other modifications, the renter must get the rental provider's permission before starting work, and the rental provider has reasonable reason to refuse. The rental provider may also require the modifications be completed by a qualified trades person.

Reasonable reasons of refusal must be sensible.  Refusal of consent may be because,

• notice to vacate has been issued,
• the modification would result in the property being non-compliant with the building act,
• the modification will result in additional maintenance costs for the rental provider,
• the modification breaks body corporate rules,
• reversing the modification would not be reasonably practical