The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) is proud to support the Small changes, big difference campaign led by Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN).
Small changes, big difference supports people with disability to understand how they can request home modifications in private rental properties, and helps property owners adopt best practice when supporting tenants with disability.
QDN developed the campaign together with people with lived experience of disability, industry representatives, the Department of Housing and Public Works (DHPW) and other industry peak bodies including the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.
Home modifications can benefit everyone
Accessible homes benefit people with disability and those around them. This includes people like older Queenslanders, parents with young children, carers, visitors and more.
QDN says home modifications can help people with disability live with more freedom, independence and confidence. These modifications may also reduce the amount of support a person with disability needs on a day-to-day basis.
For property owners and managers, many common modifications may also future-proof rental properties, improve safety and functionality, and support tenants to stay in their homes.
Home modifications and your rights
As a tenant or resident, you have the right to ask for home modifications. You can ask for home modifications at any time during a tenancy, including asking for modifications to be completed before you move in.
To ask for modifications to the property you’re renting, you need to fill out the below RTA form and give it to your property manager or owner.
Request for approval to attach fixtures or make structural changes (Form 23)
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Tenants must use this form to request approval from the property manager/owner to attach fixtures or make structural changes in their rental property.
The property manager or owner will consider your request and they must be reasonable when making their decision.
You can read the full process on our fixtures and structural changes (home modifications) page.
Tips when asking for home modifications
While you need to follow the process when asking for a home modification, you or your support person can talk to the property manager or owner at any time. Having an open conversation can help you explain your needs and provide information the property owner can consider when making their decision.
Here are some tips to help you discuss and ask for home modifications:
- Be clear about what you’re asking for:
- What is the modification?
- Where will it be installed?
- Is it permanent or removable?
- Explain how the modification will help you:
- Will it improve your day-to-day living?
- Does it help you access the support you need?
- Does it reduce the amount of support you need?
- Could it help you stay independent and live in the property for longer?
- Consider providing supporting information, like:
- Recommendations from your Occupational Therapist or another medical professional.
- Diagrams, photos or links to the products you’d like to install to help the property owner visualise the change.
Provide as much detail as you can when completing your written request. If you’ve already spoken to the property manager or owner, make sure the request includes any items you agreed to.
If you disagree about home modifications
If a tenant and property owner are unable to agree about home modifications, we recommend talking to each other first and sharing how a modification can help you. If you can’t resolve the issue, you can apply for free RTA dispute resolution.
The RTA’s dispute resolution service can support you to discuss the issue and try to reach a solution together.
If you are still unable to agree, you can apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for a decision.
More information
You can find more information and resources for the Small changes, big difference campaign on the QDN website.
To learn more about the process of requesting home modifications, see the RTA’s fixtures and structural changes page.
Note: While the RTA makes every reasonable effort to ensure that information on this website is accurate at the time of publication, changes in circumstances after publication may impact on the accuracy of material. This disclaimer is in addition to and does not limit the application of the Residential Tenancies Authority website disclaimer.