Change to tenancy laws for minor home changes. What tenants can do and what owners should know?

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Change to tenancy laws for minor home changes. What tenants can do and what owners should know?

Small touches can make a house feel more like home - whether it’s hanging photos, adding shelves, or baby-proofing a room.

Under New Zealand tenancy law, tenants have clearer rights to make minor changes to their rental, and property owners have clear timeframes for how to respond.

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The 21-day rule

If a tenant wants to make a small change to the property, they must ask in writing.
The property manager then has 21 days to reply, either approving the request or giving a valid reason for saying no.

*If the change is considered minor, it cannot be unreasonably refused. *

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What counts as a “minor change”?

Minor changes are small, low-risk, and easy to reverse. They don’t affect the structure or safety of the property and don’t require building consent.

Common examples include:

• Hanging picture frames.  

• Installing baby gates or furniture anchors

• Securing cords or fittings for safety

• Attaching a water-saving showerhead

At the end of the tenancy, tenants must be able to return the property to substantially the same condition as before - unless the property owner agrees to keep the change.

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For tenants

• Ask first – A written request for all changes will need to be sent to your property manager before any changes are made.  

• Wait for approval before doing the work.

• Any cost related to these changes will not be covered by the property owner – unless agreed upon.

• Return the property to substantially the same condition it was in before the minor change was made.

This rule gives tenants more freedom to personalise their space while protecting the property’s overall condition.

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For property owners

• From now on, tenants can request permission to make minor changes, and we’ll manage those requests on your behalf.

• Our team will review each request, confirm whether it qualifies as a “minor change”, and respond within the required 21-day timeframe.

• We’ll apply fair and consistent conditions when approving changes, such as requiring professional installation or reinstatement at the end of the tenancy.

• You’ll receive updates on any approved or declined requests, so you’re always informed.

This approach keeps your property protected, ensures compliance with the law, and maintains good communication between all parties. At Comprendé, we will manage this process for you.

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Why it matters

The 21-day rule helps both sides. Tenants can make practical improvements to feel more at home, while property owners have oversight and confidence that changes are done safely and properly.

It’s a fairer, clearer way to handle the small things - giving everyone peace of mind.

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