Examples of minor changes to the property

• curtains
• visual fire alarms and doorbells
• baby-proofing, e.g. a baby gate
• earthquake-proofing, e.g. securing a bookshelf to the wall.

Tenant responsibilities for making a minor change

• Make the request to the landlord in writing.
• Receive landlord’s permission (which must be within 21 days) before making the minor change to the property (the landlord can ask to extend the timeframe).
• Pay the installation costs (unless otherwise agreed with the landlord).
• At the end of the tenancy, remove the fitting that was installed (unless landlord agrees it can stay).
• Return the property to substantially the same condition it was in before the minor change was made.

Landlord responsibilities for making a minor change

• Respond in writing within 21 days of receiving the tenant’s request to say whether the change is considered minor or not.
• If the change is minor, give written permission within 21 days.
• If the change is considered more than minor and more time is needed to consider the request, give the tenant written notice stating that the 21 days will be extended by a reasonable time.
• Landlords must not decline minor changes but may set reasonable conditions.

Definition of a minor change to the property

A minor change is defined as any fixture, renovation, alteration or addition to the property that:

• has a low risk of damage to the property
• can be easily reversed (property can be returned to substantially the same condition)
• doesn’t pose a risk to health and safety
• doesn’t compromise the structural integrity, weathertightness or character of the property
• doesn’t affect anyone’s enjoyment or use of the property
• doesn’t require regulatory consent
• doesn’t breach any regulatory rules.