Actions for tenants
Alterations & Modifications
Making changes to your home.
We understand that sometimes you may want – or need – to make changes to your home. Whether it’s to improve accessibility, meet medical needs, or personalise your space, NRH is here to help guide the process.
There are two types of changes you can apply for:
- Alterations: Personal or aesthetic changes that help make your space feel more like home (e.g., garden beds, painting walls, installing shelving or curtains).
- Modifications: Changes that support access, mobility, safety, or independence (often related to disability, injury, or ageing).
Read on to find out if you need a modification, or would like an alteration, including what you need to provide for each request, who pays, and how to apply.
It is important that you wait for a written response from us before any work commences (failure to do so may result in a breach of your lease agreement).
About Alterations
What is an alteration?
An alteration is a personal or decorative change to the property that does not relate to medical, or accessibility needs. Alterations are generally optional and are made at the tenant’s request (and expense) to personalise or enhance the space.
Examples of Alterations
- Painting a wall.
- Installing curtains or blinds.
- Adding shelving or storage.
- Replacing light fixtures.
- Adding outdoor privacy screens or shade cloth.
- Creating a garden bed or minor landscaping.
Note: Structural changes (e.g., removing walls, major plumbing, or electrical work) are generally not permitted.
What you’ll need to provide
- A description of the proposed change, including the location in the property.
- The purpose for requesting the alteration (e.g., why you want to make it).
- Details of who will do the work (e.g., licensed/qualified tradespeople).
- Supporting documents, such as photos, plans or diagrams (where relevant), and any council approvals if applicable.
Your responsibilities
- Do not start any work until you have written approval from NRH.
- You are responsible for all costs, contractors, and ongoing maintenance.
- The work must be safe and professionally done (if applicable).
- If using a tradesperson or contractor, you must ensure they are licensed and have insurance.
- If you move out, you may need to remove the alteration and return the property to its original condition – unless otherwise agreed.
- NRH may inspect the work and request changes if it does not meet appropriate standards.
The process
- Fill out the online Alteration Request Form
- We’ll assess your application and may inspect your home if needed.
- You’ll receive a written response within 28 days.
- If approved, you must complete the work at your own cost and ensure it meets all relevant safety and building standards.
About Modifications
What is a modification?
A modification is a change made to support safe access, mobility, health, or independence – often related to disability, injury, age, or medical conditions.
Examples of Modifications
- Grab rails or handrails.
- Lever taps or handheld showers.
- Ramp installations or widened doorways.
- Bathroom/kitchen adjustments.
- Strobe or vibrating alarms for sensory impairments.
- Other safety or accessibility measures.
Minor modifications may not require formal health documentation; major ones (e.g. structural changes) usually require an Occupational Therapist (OT) report or medical recommendation.
What you’ll need to provide
- A description of the proposed change, including the location in the property.
- The purpose for requesting the modification (e.g., mobility, safety).
- Details of who will do the work (e.g., licensed/qualified tradespeople).
- Supporting documents:
- For minor changes: medical certificates or healthcare recommendation.
- For major changes: Occupational Therapist report, quotes, design plans, product details, council approvals (if needed).
Who covers the cost
Tenants will need to approach their support to assist them with funding requested modifications, alternatively some NDIS and Age Care packages may come with funding for modifications.
You may be responsible for any portion of the costs if requested modifications go beyond what is available through support services.
Your responsibilities
- Do not start any work until you have written approval from NRH.
- All work must meet relevant building, safety, and NSW standards.
- If you’re using external funding, you must coordinate approvals with NRH.
- You must enable NRH to inspect before, during and after the work.
- If modifications become unsafe, non-compliant, or unnecessary, NRH reserves the right to require removal or adjustments.
The process
- Fill out the online Modification Request Form.
- We’ll assess your application individually – including feasibility, safety, and value, guided by policy and funding availability.
- We may conduct a home visit if needed.
- You’ll receive a written response within 28 days.
- If approval is granted, NRH will arrange and fund the work (if eligible); otherwise, we’ll explore other options, like transferring you to a more suitable home.
What if modifications aren’t approved?
If modifications are not feasible or funded, NRH may offer alternative support options, including property transfer to better suit your accessibility needs – where available.
Other actions for tenants
Need help?
If you need support, call us or ask someone you trust to contact us on your behalf.
