2018-10-18
The ACT Greens today called for tenants to be able to install picture hooks and furniture anchors (make ‘minor modifications’) to their rental properties without requiring the consent of their landlord.
Sections 67 and 68 of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) state that the “tenant must make no alterations and must not add any fixtures or fittings without the written consent of the lessor”.
Alterations are not defined under the RTA. However, the Greens propose that minor alternations/modifications could include:
- Installing picture hooks, to hang picture frames;
- Anchoring furniture, such as bookshelves, to prevent injury;
- Painting;
- Putting up shelving.
“The vast majority of renters do the right thing by their landlords—they pay rent on time, and they provide a not insubstantial bond as insurance,” Greens Housing spokesperson Caroline Le Couteur said today.
“As long as any fixtures and fittings are removed at the end of the tenancy and any damage to the property rectified, then you shouldn’t need to seek out written permission from your landlord.
“This is all part of making a house a home.
“The Greens are committed to ensuring there’s a reasonable balance between the rights of landlords and the rights of tenants, particularly at a time of housing crisis.”
The 2016 census found that almost one in three Canberrans (31.8%) live in rental properties. Recent research from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute also found a national trend towards more private renters with children, more middle-aged renters, and more long-term renters (10+ years).
There are also safety implications to consider, Ms Le Couteur said. “We don’t want renters to avoid implementing key safety actions, like securing furniture which could injure young children.”
In June, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reported that an estimated 2,600 Australians receive hospital treatment for injuries caused by toppling furniture and televisions each year, equating to approximately 50 people per week.
Since 2001 at least 22 children under the age of 9 have died in Australia from toppling furniture or televisions, with children under 3 years of age at greatest risk.
In France, Sweden, and Italy tenants have the right to make minor alterations and improvements to the property without asking the landlord's permission.
“The Greens do have a range of concerns with gaps in the Residential Tenancies’ Act, which the community regularly tell us about,” Ms Le Couteur added.
“We know that the Attorney-General is bringing forward legislation very soon, so we will wait and see which issues the Government addresses in their bill. We look forward to drafting amendments to address these community concerns.”