Renting rules in Victoria: what you can and can’t do as a renter

Adorning the walls with your favourite artworks is a quick and easy way to personalise your space. The law allows renters to install picture hooks, provided it's not a heritage-listed property and does not penetrate exposed brick or concrete walls. Otherwise, you’ll need consent from the landlord.

More: Tips for creating your own gallery wall at home

To maximise your home’s vertical space, display your treasures and add extra storage with a set of built-in shelves. As with picture hooks, you can install screws and brackets for shelves as long as they don’t penetrate exposed brick or concrete walls. It’s an easy DIY home hack to remodel your space.

Replacing traditional incandescent light globes with energy-efficient LEDs will save you money. You don’t need the landlord’s permission to make the switch, providing you don’t change the fittings. 

Save on water bills by swapping shower heads to a water-saving model. If you install your own, be sure to keep the original shower head/s so you can change them back when you leave.

Minimum rental standards state that all windows in bedrooms and any living areas must have coverings that can block light and provide privacy.

If you want to choose your own curtains to transform your space, hang on to the originals so you can reinstall them when you vacate. You don’t need to get permission to install blind or cord anchors.

Keep your children safe around the home by fitting adhesive child-safety locks to doors or drawers, and pressure-mounted child safety gates where needed. You’ll need the landlord’s permission if they are mounted by screws or hardware fittings.

You can install security lights, an alarm system or camera without the landlord’s permission, as long as the device is not hard wired, can be removed easily and doesn’t affect neighbours’ privacy. You’ll need prior permission if the security device needs to be fitted by a qualified installer. You can also add a lock to the letterbox without consent.

More: Tips to help improve your home's security

You don’t need permission to add a wireless doorbell. If you install a wireless doorbell, ensure you secure your wi-fi network and use a strong password to avoid doorbell hacking.

A non-permanent film on your windows will help keep in the warmth in winter and keep out the summer heat, with the added bonus of enhancing your privacy. And because it’s removeable, you don’t need your landlord’s permission.

There’s nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint to give a room – or the whole house – an instant lift. Whether you’ve been inspired by the latest interior design trends or not, check first with your landlord then get creative – either painting a room, a colourful feature wall or updating a drab built-in wardrobe with a stand-out colour.

Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you need to be a slave to the sink. If your landlord gives the go-ahead, you can install a dishwasher. Check the energy star ratings to make sure you help keep your energy costs low.

More: How upgrading old appliances could save you money

The landlord can’t unreasonably refuse if you want to install disability-related modifications, such as grab rails and hand rails determined necessary by an occupational therapist or other practitioner.

There's a requirement for landlords to have external entry doors fitted with a deadlatch, or have a locking system operated with an outside key and able to be locked from the inside with or without a key.

If you want to add additional security, like a security screen or deadlock, check with the landlord before you call the locksmith. While you’re at it, ask about installing fly screens to keep out the bugs in summer.

More: Home security explained

Save on electricity costs by sealing in the warmth with weather seals, caulking or gap-filling around windows, doors, skirting and floorboards. Landlords also need to be aware of maintaining ventilation and preventing mould growth.

More: Money-saving renovations

Turn your house into a home by putting down roots – literally – in a newly created veggie or herb garden. Next time you have vegetable scraps, preserve and replant the seeds to grow your own fresh produce.

More: How to grow vegetables from kitchen scraps

Create the right first impression with a new front gate. Installing a gate can add an additional layer of privacy and make your property more secure.

Properties can no longer have 'no pet' clauses or 'pet bonds'. Renters with pets need to send a Pet Request Form for each pet they own (or want to get) to their rental provider. The rental provider has 14 days to respond and must apply to VCAT in order to reject the request. However, if the pet creates a nuisance, causes damage or disrupts neighbours, the landlord can take action through VCAT. Renters should also check that the pet complies with local council laws and other laws about pet ownership.