Can a Tenant Make Changes to an Apartment Without the Landlord’s Consent?
magine moving into a new apartment and, within a few weeks, feeling the urge to make it your own – the old kitchen could use a modern facelift, the living room wall would look great in a different color, and maybe a nice air-conditioning unit would be perfect for summer. You might be thinking: “I live here, so I can adjust it to my taste, right?”
Careful – this is where landlord rights and the law step in.
This article is part of the large guide to lease agreements, where you can find more practical topics related to renting apartments, houses, and commercial spaces: read more
Clients often ask me: “Do I need the landlord’s permission if I want to change something?”, “What if I just do it and they don’t like it?”, or “Can I just inform them instead of asking?”.
From a legal perspective, making changes to an apartment without the landlord’s consent is risky – even if it’s an “improvement.” Rental law assumes that the apartment is not your property, and any significant change can be problematic.
What You Will Learn in This Article
Which apartment modifications are considered routine and don’t require consent
When landlord approval is mandatory
How to proceed if you want to make changes
Risks and penalties for unauthorized modifications
What to do if consent is denied
Routine Maintenance vs. Significant Changes
The Civil Code distinguishes between routine maintenance and substantial alterations:
Routine maintenance – e.g., repainting walls in the original or neutral color, replacing light bulbs, minor repairs. These usually don’t require approval.
Significant changes – structural alterations, replacing flooring, installing built-in appliances, altering the layout, installing air conditioning, satellite dishes, or security doors. Written consent is required.
How to Proceed if You Want to Make Changes
Prepare a proposal – describe what you want to do, why, and who will cover the cost.
Ask for written consent – ideally by email or registered mail.
Agree on the post-lease arrangement – whether the changes stay, are removed, or if you’ll be compensated.
Document everything – before and after photos, a signed agreement on the scope of work.
Risks if You Make Changes Without Consent
If you carry out modifications without permission, the landlord may:
Require you to restore the property to its original condition at your expense
Refuse to reimburse any costs, even if the property’s value increased
Terminate the lease if it’s a serious breach of the agreement
⚠️ Lawyer’s Tip: The biggest mistake is relying on “verbal consent” or assuming “they won’t mind.” Always get written approval for changes.
Real-Life Example
A client replaced a bathtub with a shower cabin without consent because “it suited them better.” At the end of the tenancy, the landlord demanded the original bathtub be reinstalled. The outcome? The client had to pay for installing a new bathtub, removing the shower, and also lost part of their security deposit.
Summary
When renting, the golden rule is simple – if it’s more than routine maintenance, it requires consent. This protects both parties from disputes and unpleasant surprises at the end of the tenancy.
Need Legal Advice?
If you’re not sure whether your planned change requires approval, contact me. I can help you prepare a written agreement and avoid unnecessary problems.
Contact a legal professional – I specialize in contract law.
Learn more here.
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- Naposledy aktualizováno: 08/08/2025
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Can a Tenant Make Changes to an Apartment Without the Landlord’s Consent?
Print magine moving into a new apartment and, within a few weeks, feeling the urge to make it your own – the old kitchen could