What you need to know about Victorian rental reforms: Part II
In Part I of What you need to know about Victorian rental reforms we covered some of the 132 legislative changes that are due to be introduced on March 29 2021; now we’ll take a look at what else you need to know.
Modifications without consent
Tenants will now be able to make minor modifications to the home they are renting without the landlord’s permission. These include, but are not limited to:
- Adding picture hooks or screws for wall mounts, shelves or brackets on surfaces other than exposed brick or concrete walls
- Installation of wall anchoring devices on surfaces other than exposed brick or concrete walls to secure furniture
- Fitting LED light globes that don’t require new light fixtures
- Installing a water-efficient showerhead if the original shower head is retained
- Adding hardware-mounted or pressure mounted child safety gates on walls other than exposed brick or concrete walls, and adhesive child safety locks on drawers and doors
- Installing security lights, alarm systems or security cameras that do not impact the privacy of neighbours, as long as they can be easily removed and are not hardwired to the property
- Use of non-permanent window film relating to insulation, reduced heat transfer or privacy
- Adding a wireless doorbell and a lock on a letterbox
- Installing blind or cord anchors and replacement curtains, as long as the original curtains are retained by the previous renter
Modifications with consent
- The painting of the rented premises
- The installation of fly screens on doors and windows
- The planting of a vegetable or herb garden
- The installation of a secure letterbox
- Modifications to secure external gates in rentals that are not multi-unit buildings
