Making changes to a rental home

This page is for: 
TenantProperty industryLandlord / lessor

Tenants can make a rental property feel like a home by making changes but there are rules they must follow.

The rules are different depending on why the change is needed and the type of changes the tenant wants to make.

On this page

Security changes to prevent family violence

A tenant can make the following security changes to prevent family violence:

  • Installing security alarms and cameras
  • Adding locks, screens, and shutters on windows
  • Adding security screens on doors
  • Installing exterior lights
  • Adding locks on gates
  • Pruning shrubs and trees to improve visibility

Tenants must:

  • let the landlord know in writing before making the changes, approval is not needed.
  • get a suitable tradesperson to do the work.
  • give a copy of the invoice to the landlord within 14 days after the work is done.

Furniture and child safety

Tenants can secure furniture to a wall for the safety of a child or a person with a disability, but need to get the landlord’s permission first.

Tenants must ask the landlord for permission using form 24 (Request to lessor to affix furniture).

Landlords must respond within 14 days. The landlord can only refuse permission if the home is heritage listed, if asbestos may be disturbed or strata rules don't allow the change.

The tenant can secure the furniture if the landlord does not respond within 14 days.

Changes for disability access

A tenant with a disability can make changes to help them access and use the home. Changes could be a temporary ramp, lever taps or handrails in the bathroom. Tenants must ask for permission using form 26 (minor modification) or form 27 (major modification).

A landlord cannot refuse if it is against the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) or Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth).

The NDIS has more information about home modifications.

Minor modifications

A tenant will be able to make small changes, called minor modifications, with the landlord’s permission. The tenant must ask for permission using the Form 26 (Minor Modification request form) The landlord can refuse for limited reasons. 

A tenant will need to:

The landlord has 14 days, starting the day after they receive the form, to:

If a landlord wants to set any special conditions, they need to get Commissioner approval. Conditions only apply if they are approved.

If the landlord does not respond at all, the tenant can make the minor modification. More information about timing is available on counting days.

Modifications tenants can do themselves:

  • picture hooks
  • screw for wall mount, shelf or bracket
  • wall anchoring device eg for tv or furniture
  • water saving or hand-held shower heads. This means a shower head with a water efficiency rating of 3 or more stars under the AS/NZS 6400:2016 Water efficient products — Rating and labelling | Standards Australia Store
  • LED light bulbs that do not need new fittings
  • window covering eg curtains or blinds
  • curtain or blind cord anchors
  • adhesive child safety lock on a drawer or door
  • pressure mounted safety gate
  • child safety device on window
  • lock on letterbox and gates – landlord may require tenant to provide a copy of the keys
  • wireless doorbell
  • vegetable or herb garden
  • flyscreens on doors and windows
  • draughtproofing

Landlords can require a qualified tradesperson make these modifications:

  • lever style taps
  • phone or internet connections
  • painting a room
  • non-permanent window film
  • hard-wired security lights, alarms or cameras

When a landlord can say no to minor changes

No commissioner approval needed:

A landlord can refuse if :

  • a law or strata rule prevents the change
  • the change will disturb asbestos
  • the home is heritage listed

Commissioner approval needed:

A landlord must apply to the Commissioner to refuse for other reasons as listed on the form. For example if the tenancy is ending or the modification would:

  • result in extra maintenance costs to the landlord
  • make the home unsafe
  • cost more than the security bond to repair or remove
  • not be practical to reverse / remove the change eg. holes in a tile

Setting conditions on minor changes

No commissioner approval needed:

Landlords can set reasonable conditions, such as:

  • the work must be done by a qualified person for some modifications (listed above). The landlord can request an invoice as proof.
  • tenant must give the landlord any security codes and copies of keys eg for alarm systems or gate locks

Commissioner approval needed:

If a landlord wants to add other conditions, these must be approved by the Commissioner. For example the placement and direction of security cameras.

Tenant responsibilities for changes

The tenant must:

  • pay for the modification
  • be responsible for maintenance and repairs for the modification
  • remove the modification unless the landlord has agreed to keep it and
  • repair any damage at the end of the tenancy e.g. fill in holes and repaint walls.

If the landlord does not agree to the changes

A tenant can apply to the Commissioner to review and make a decision if the landlord refuses any minor modifications.

Other modifications

Tenants will need to ask the landlord for permission to make any other changes. These changes may include major modifications such as installing an air conditioner, dishwasher or a pet door.

The tenant must:

Landlord making changes

When a landlord wants to make changes to the home, they also must ask permission.

Landlords must ask permission from the tenant using form 28 (Request to tenant make modification - lessor)

Tenants:

  • must reply within 28 days
  • cannot say no without good reason
  • can set reasonable conditions such as when the work can be done

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