5 things you need your landlord’s permission for

If you’re a renter, you’re probably familiar with many of the rules that come with living in someone else’s property.

Repainting the walls and knocking down structures generally require approval, but a few things fall in that murky grey area in between.

Do you need permission to run a business from home? Can you have a house sitter stay while you’re away? And what about swapping a showerhead?

Here are five things you should ask your landlord’s permission for.

Running certain businesses from home

If you’re a freelancer or working from home in a typical remote job, you’re generally free to do so from your couch or dining table.

But if your business is more public-facing – with signage or clients coming to your home – you’ll likely need to ask your landlord before you start operating. Running a business can sometimes affect a landlord’s insurance, which is a big reason they care.

Subletting

Subletting means someone is paying rent and living in the property. Subletting rules are almost always outlined in your lease agreement, but broadly speaking, you can’t sublet a room or the entire property without asking your landlord. This applies whether you’re subletting your home for a few weeks or a few months.

Even if you’re in a share house and intend to have someone rent your room while you’re away, you’ll often need permission first.

Renting a room as short-stay accommodation

The same goes for renting a room to travellers. Once again, many lease agreements contain specific clauses for short-stay accommodation, outlining whether you can take paying guests.

But in most cases, you’ll need explicit consent from your landlord. Even then, owners’ corporations often have the power to prohibit short-stay letting, and laws regarding rentals can vary between states and local councils. Always check with your strata manager or local council to find out which rules apply.

Making structural changes

Anything that permanently changes the property’s structure or fixtures typically has to be approved by the landlord first. This includes drilling into walls, installing shelves and even making changes in the garden, like digging up a garden bed or planting trees.

When it comes to smaller changes, state rules start to differ.

In Victoria, for example, tenants have the right to make certain “minor modifications” – like installing picture hooks or wall-mounting a TV – without approval, as long as any damage is repaired when they leave.

In other states, you usually need to ask first, but landlords generally can’t unreasonably refuse small, reversible changes.

Getting another pet

Rules regarding pets have shifted in recent years, with many states – including Victoria, NSW and Queensland – introducing laws that make it much easier for tenants to keep them. But what if you already have a pet and want to add another to your family?

You’ll still need to seek approval, as lease agreements typically only make allowances for the pet(s) specified. This holds true whether you’re getting another pet of the same species or a different type of animal entirely. Depending on your state or territory, your landlord may not be able to unreasonably refuse your request.

Things you don’t need your landlord’s permission for

Hosting guests, or having a house sitter stay while you’re away

Things can get confusing when it comes to subletters, guests and house sitters. While a subletter is a paying tenant, guests and house sitters are considered temporary occupants. They’re not paying rent, and you’re still the primary tenant responsible for the property.

Both are usually allowed without permission. But if you’re going away for an extended period, you might like to let your landlord know anyway, in case something happens at the property.

Applying adhesive products

Adhesive products like hooks, window films and peel-and-stick finishes are the go-tos of renters everywhere.

Temporary window films are great if you’re after more privacy or better insulation. Adhesive hooks are perfect for hanging photos, artwork and lightweight decor. Peel-and-stick products, including wallpaper, tiles and wood panelling, can change the look and feel of your rental without the commitment.

Ensure you only apply them to surfaces capable of handling adhesives (meaning nothing rough or porous), remove them when you leave the property, and patch up any paint damage. If a hook takes a chunk of 10-year-old paint with it, you could be liable for the repair cost when you move out.

Making your home kid-safe (like baby gates or cupboard locks)

Pressure-mounted gates, corner protectors, adhesive cupboard locks and drawer latches are all fine to install in the home, as they’re considered non-permanent fixtures.

Safety is becoming more of a focus in tenancy laws. In states like Victoria and NSW, landlords generally can’t refuse requests to install furniture anchors or other child safety devices.

Switching to energy and water-efficient fixtures

If you’re keen to minimise your rental’s environmental footprint, there are several easy changes you can make that are both cost-effective and reversible.

In many states and territories, you’re allowed to switch your lightbulbs to LED globes, add temporary insulation like door seals and draught stoppers, and swap your existing showerhead for a low-flow version. Don’t throw the old one out, though – you usually need to reinstall it when you vacate.

While these updates are often allowed, individual circumstances can vary, and state and territory legislation can change. It’s always best to check your lease agreement for any restrictions or clauses, or contact your rental provider if you’re unsure.