Tenants making minor changes to the property

Examples of minor changes to the property

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.

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.

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.

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