Tenants in Victoria can request modifications to a rental property, but these are generally minor and must be agreed upon by the landlord. As of December 2025, the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 governs these requests, with a focus on enabling tenants to make the property more liveable.
Currently in Melbourne, tenants can request changes like installing curtain hooks, replacing tap washers, or hanging pictures using small nails. However, any modifications that alter the structure of the property, require building permits, or are significant in nature – such as painting walls a drastically different colour or installing built-in shelving – require written landlord consent. When preparing a property for sale in 2026, it’s common for sellers in the Eastern Suburbs to encounter properties where tenants have made minor alterations. These are usually easily rectified, but it’s important to understand what has been done and factor potential restoration into preparation costs, which typically range from $2,000 to $8,000 for styling and presentation. Fletchers’ experience shows buyers in areas like Balwyn and Doncaster favour properties that present neutrally, so addressing tenant modifications is often a priority. A thorough property appraisal with Fletchers will identify any such issues.
Understanding tenant modification rights is crucial for Melbourne property owners, particularly when planning a sale, as it impacts presentation and potential buyer perception.