Working from home has become a normal part of life for many Australians. For renters, that can raise practical questions about internet, desk setups, cable management, shelving, lighting, and whether changes such as painting or mounting equipment are allowed.
The answer depends on the type of change, the property, the tenancy agreement, any strata or building rules, and the state or territory where you rent. The safest approach is to separate simple, removable home-office setups from changes that permanently alter the property.
A good work-from-home setup does not need to involve a renovation. In many cases, a freestanding desk, suitable chair, portable lighting, existing internet connection, and thoughtful cable management can create a productive workspace without requiring major changes or creating a dispute at the end of the tenancy.
Internet and NBN Access
Renters can generally choose and arrange their own phone or internet service, but whether landlord permission is needed depends on what is required to connect the service.
If the property already has a usable NBN connection point, phone socket, wall outlet, or other existing infrastructure, connecting a modem or router and signing up with an internet provider is usually straightforward. However, the arrangement may be different if internet is already included in the rent, the building has a managed network, or the property has specific access requirements.
Before arranging a service, check the rental agreement and ask whether internet is included, whether there are existing connection details, and whether the building has any restrictions. If the provider needs to drill holes, run new cables, install external equipment, access common property, or make another alteration, obtain written landlord consent before the work begins. Strata approval may also be required for apartments or townhouses.
Some eligible premises can be upgraded from Fibre to the Node or Fibre to the Curb to Fibre to the Premises through an eligible NBN plan. However, eligibility is address-specific and the installation requirements vary by property. A fibre upgrade should not be treated as automatically permission-free if it requires physical work to the premises.
In New South Wales, phone and internet connection services are listed as an example of a minor change in residential tenancies. Tenants still need the landlord’s written consent for installation work, although consent cannot be unreasonably withheld for prescribed minor changes.
Minor Changes for a Home Office
Minor-modification rules are not identical across Australia. Some states and territories identify specific changes that a landlord cannot unreasonably refuse, while others require consent for alterations and have different processes, conditions, or restoration requirements.
The simplest option is usually to use a setup that does not alter the property. A freestanding desk, ergonomic chair, floor lamp, portable storage, plug-in power board, and removable cable organiser can usually create a functional workspace without drilling, painting, or installing fixtures.
Changes that may be considered minor in some jurisdictions can include small picture hooks, removable blinds or curtains, child-safety devices, furniture anchors, window safety devices, removable shelving, or certain phone and internet equipment. However, renters should not assume that a change is allowed just because it seems small.
For example, New South Wales regulations list certain minor changes for which consent cannot be unreasonably withheld. These include small hooks, nails, screws, telephone or internet connection services and associated equipment, furniture anchoring for safety, and some changes that do not permanently alter the premises.legislation.
Even where a change is minor, ask for written approval before drilling, fixing, mounting, or installing anything. The landlord may reasonably require the work to be completed safely, by an appropriate installer, or restored when the tenancy ends.
Changes That Need Consent
Some changes go beyond a simple home-office setup and should always be discussed with the landlord before proceeding. These include painting walls, installing built-in shelves or desks, mounting heavy monitor arms, changing light fittings, installing an air conditioner, altering wiring, or running cables through walls or ceilings.
Structural changes, electrical work, plumbing work, permanent flooring changes, and renovations should never be carried out without written landlord consent and, where required, qualified tradespeople, permits, or strata approval.
If you want to make a more substantial change, make the request in writing. Explain what you want to do, why it is needed, who will carry out the work, whether it will affect the building or common property, and whether you are willing to restore the property when the tenancy ends.
The landlord may agree, refuse, or approve the change subject to reasonable conditions. Keep a copy of the request, the approval, any invoices, and photographs of the work before and after it is completed.
Do not assume that silence means permission. If you do not receive written approval, follow up before arranging the work.
Accessibility and Safety Changes
Renters who need changes related to disability, accessibility, or safety should make a written request and explain how the modification will help them use the home safely.
Examples may include lever taps, handrails, temporary ramps, safety rails, accessible fittings, or furniture anchoring. Anti-discrimination and tenancy laws can be relevant, but whether a specific change must be permitted depends on the circumstances, the property, the type of work, and the law in the relevant state or territory.
If a modification is important for accessibility, tenants may wish to seek advice from their state or territory tenancy authority, consumer affairs body, disability advocacy organisation, or a qualified adviser before proceeding.
For child safety or disability-related safety, furniture may need to be secured to a wall. This can involve drilling, so renters should obtain written approval before installation unless their local law or agreement specifically provides another process.
Protect Yourself With Records
A clear paper trail makes changes easier to manage. Before making any modification, review the rental agreement and condition report. Take photographs of the relevant area before work begins, particularly if you are mounting an item, changing a fitting, or arranging an installation.
Use written communication with the landlord, agent, or property manager. Confirm the proposed work, approval, any required installer, timing, and whether the property needs to be restored at the end of the agreement.
If the work affects the condition of the property, keep copies of receipts, invoices, installer details, warranties, and before-and-after photographs. These records can help if there is a question later about damage, maintenance, restoration, or a bond claim.
It is also useful to keep your work setup practical. Avoid blocking exits, overloading power boards, creating trip hazards with loose cables, or placing heavy furniture in a way that could damage floors or walls. A renter-friendly workspace should support your work while keeping the property safe and easy to return to its original condition.
How EzyFlats Fits
EzyFlats lists furnished medium-term homes that may suit remote workers, depending on the individual property’s layout, furnishings, internet arrangements, and inclusions.
Renters should review each listing carefully for practical features such as a desk or dining area, suitable chair, WiFi or internet details, power access, storage, and proximity to transport or work commitments. Not every furnished property will have the same work-from-home setup, so it is important to check what is included before applying.
Listings are reviewed before publication, while digital agreements and photo-based condition reports help create a clearer record of the property at move-in. If a renter needs to make a change to support remote work, they should use the agreed communication process and obtain written landlord consent where required.
EzyFlats does not replace applicable tenancy law, strata rules, telecommunications-provider requirements, or the terms of the rental agreement.
The Practical Takeaway
Working from home in a rental is entirely achievable when the setup is practical, removable, and properly approved where necessary.
Start with changes that do not alter the property, such as freestanding furniture, portable lighting, removable storage, and existing internet connection points. If you need to drill, paint, install, mount, run cables, or arrange a service upgrade that changes the property, check the agreement and request written consent before proceeding.
A good rental workspace should make your workday easier without creating unnecessary cost, damage, or uncertainty at the end of the tenancy.
This article is general information only and is not legal or tenancy advice. Modification rules, consent requirements, and tenant rights vary by state and territory and may change over time. Tenants should check current guidance from their state or territory consumer or fair-trading authority and obtain written landlord consent before making any modifications to a rental property.