Form 23: Request to attach fixtures or make structural changes

Who sends or completes it?

The tenant gives a separate completed form for each request to the property manager or owner.

When is it used?

Before attaching a fixture or making a structural change to the rental property.

Read the entire form, including its notes and timeframes. The correct next step can depend on your agreement type, the stated reason, how the document was delivered and what has already happened.

Describe the exact fixture or change

Form 23 is used to request approval to attach a fixture or make a structural change. Be specific about the product, location, dimensions, fixing method, electrical or plumbing work, installer and whether the item will remain at the property. ‘Install shelves’ is not enough information to assess wall type, load, holes and restoration.

Use a separate request for separate projects when the risks or locations differ. Attach a marked photograph or simple plan and identify any common property, body-corporate area or shared service that could be affected. The clearer the proposal, the less likely an approval email will be misunderstood later.

Attach evidence that answers practical questions

Include product specifications, dimensions, anchoring details, installer qualifications, insurance where relevant and a description of how dust, noise and access will be managed. For a security device, explain the field of view and data storage. For a garden or outdoor change, explain drainage, watering and what happens at the end of the tenancy.

Do not attach an unrelated identity file or a full tenancy history. Send only what the proposed work needs. Keep the sent Form 23, attachments and delivery confirmation in a project folder so you can prove what was actually approved if the product or installer changes.

Wait for written approval and read the conditions

Do not start drilling, wiring, painting, planting or ordering non-refundable work simply because an agent says the owner is ‘happy in principle’. Wait for written approval that identifies the request and any conditions. Consent may address an installer, timing, inspection, restoration, body-corporate permission or who pays.

A condition should be clear enough to follow and connected to the fixture or change. Ask questions before accepting a condition that is vague, unusually expensive or appears to transfer unrelated repairs to you. Keep the original approval; a later staff member may not know what was agreed.

Complete the work and record the finished result

Use the approved product and installer, and tell the managing party if a material change becomes necessary. Photograph the finished work, keep receipts and record any handover instructions, keys or access codes. If the work affects a smoke alarm, lock, waterproofing, electrical circuit or common property, obtain the relevant compliance or body-corporate evidence.

At the end of the tenancy, compare the approved condition with the exit condition. Restore the property only as the approval or law requires; do not remove a fixture in a way that creates new damage. A request, approval, completion photograph and restoration receipt make the final bond conversation much simpler.

If the request is refused or ignored

Ask for the decision and reasons in writing. If a request is incomplete, provide the missing plan or installer detail rather than submitting the same form repeatedly. If the change is needed for disability access, safety or domestic and family violence, explain the practical need without disclosing more personal information than necessary.

A fixture dispute may overlap with body-corporate, building, electrical or planning rules. Check the current RTA guidance and obtain individual advice before doing unapproved work. A tenant should not treat silence as approval unless the current process expressly says it is approved after a stated period.