What are Landlord & Tenant rights according to QLD Rental Laws in making small rental property improvements?

I’m frequently asked by my North Brisbane tenants – particularly at the start of the tenancy – if they can make minor but structural changes or improvements to a rental in order to make a house feel more like a home.

The first thing to clear up before I share the answer is: What exactly is considered a structural change?

You may be thinking it’s something drastic like knocking out walls or building a deck, but it also includes smaller things like putting holes in the walls for hooks, attaching a fixture like mounting brackets, painting and building gardens.

Keep in mind, the general rule about renting a property is this:

A Tenant should leave a rental property exactly as they found it. With the exception of an acceptable level of fair wear and tear that occurs over time.

But what about small changes like picture hooks, brackets for mounting dryers, TV’s and installing dishwashers or even painting feature walls. Surely these things are expected?

Even if the tenant views the changes to be improvements to the rental property, there are steps you need to take in order to carry it out without running into problems when vacating.

Currently, the law allows a tenant to make minor fixture and structural changes only with the Landlord’s permission and with a written agreement by both parties clearly outlining the terms.

In such an agreement, a landlord may request the fixtures be removed upon vacating and the property repaired back to its original state, or they may be happy for the new fixture to remain. But this must be determined upon mutual agreement in writing.

Doing this will cover you when you leave. – Think of your bond return and rental history!

If you have a good Property Manager, a simple agreement like this should be something they can happily facilitate for you directly with the owner. Just ask them what you need to do and they will be happy to guide you through the very simple process.

For more information about Australian renting rights in QLD in relation to tenants making rental property improvements, see the links below.

Fixtures & Structural Changes: Full list.

Inclusions: Dishwashers, Air Conditioning, other appliances that come with the property.

Fair Wear and Tear

Advice for Landlords

It’s important to be reasonable when considering a request to make minor adjustments like these.  Consider the following;

Will it improve the value of the home?

Will it attract more tenants if it’s ever vacant again?

Another important factor to consider is the happiness of good tenants.

A tenant needs your property to feel like their home – after all, they’re the ones living in it. This will have a bearing on their decision to stay at a property long term which is the ultimate goal for investors.

If you have a great tenant looking after your investment, it’s worth its weight in gold!

If you’re unsure about whether the changes will be an asset or a liability, feel free to ask me.

Have you noticed changes to your property you weren’t told about?

5 Signs You Have a Bad Property Manager – and How to Fire Them.