Screen doors provide many perks, from added security to bug-free breezes. Still, not all properties have these fixtures, and as a tenant, installing them independently isn’t an option.
But what if you could ask for this upgrade? Do landlords have to provide screen doors?
In this article, we’ll unravel landlord responsibilities and explore the value screen doors bring. So, keep reading for all the details!
Do Landlords Have to Provide Screen Doors?
The short answer is that it depends. According to Australian residential laws, rental providers must comply with the minimum standards of housing to rent their property.
While they are required to provide a certain level of security, offering a lockable screen security door or similar security devices isn’t mandatory.
However, as a rental provider, your property should be safe. This requires installing functioning locks and latches on all external doors. Likewise, the external windows should have a security mechanism.
If you fail to meet these requirements, tenants have the right to cancel their rental agreement—even if your property has screen doors.
Why You Should Install Screen Doors
Although additional security measures aren’t necessary, as a rental provider, installing screen doors on your property offers many benefits. Aside from safety, these fixtures can help keep bugs away and even cut down on energy bills!
Not to mention, these perks can boost your property’s rental value. The best part is that you don’t have to handle this work alone. Hiring a property management company can take care of these upgrades and paperwork, making your landlord journey hassle-free!
Here are four reasons why you should install screen doors:
1. Keep Bugs Away
As you know, Australia houses a wide range of insects, including common household pests like rodents. As a tenant, the last thing you want to encounter is pesky bugs.
That’s especially true during the warmer months, when mosquitoes and other insects make their way into your living space.
For that reason, trying to get fresh air during the summer can be a daunting task. That’s when installing screen doors comes to the rescue. They prevent bugs, snakes, and other animals from creeping into your home.
So, you get the best of both worlds—fresh air and an insect-free living space.
2. Improve Energy Efficiency
Keeping insects at bay isn’t the only advantage of screen doors. These energy-efficient fixtures can help you cut down on your power bills. That’s because they provide adequate ventilation.
As a result, they help reduce your dependency on artificial cooling systems. Likewise, they reduce air leakage, ensuring your HVAC system’s performance remains optimal.
Not only that, but screen doors contribute to better lighting. Since they allow natural light to brighten your property’s interior, these fixtures can help you minimise the use of artificial lighting.
Of course, this reduces your electricity bills. You also get the added health benefits of natural lighting, like an elevated mood!
3. Increase Security
Additional security is probably the primary reason people install screen doors in the first place. With heavy metals like steel, these fixtures are typically sturdier than regular doors. Combined with secure hinges and a strong frame, these extra layers provide added protection.
Not only that, but screen doors offer reasonable privacy. Thanks to the thick mesh layer, you can rest assured that passersby will have a hard time looking inside your property. This ensures that you enjoy the outdoor view without compromising your privacy!
4. Boost Home Value
Since screen doors aren’t mandatory for landlords, adding them to your property can boost its public appeal. For one, these fixtures provide several perks, from security to energy efficiency.
Additionally, they’re versatile. You can customise the frame to match your home’s design. This adds a pleasant aesthetic to your property, making it more appealing to buyers or tenants.
As a result, you improve your return on investment (ROI).
Can Tenants Install Screen Doors Without Landlord’s Permission?
Generally, no. Tenants can’t install screen doors or any other fixtures without the consent of the landlord.
Even when obtaining the rental provider’s permission, they need to outline the nature of these upgrades before proceeding with the changes.
Not only that, but tenants also need to pay for any damage caused by installing new fixtures. Of course, that’s after getting the landlord’s approval. Violating these rules can breach the rental agreement.
Now, in the case of a security issue, renters have the right to request these changes. Additionally, it’s the owner’s responsibility to pay for these upgrades.
If screen doors are necessary to meet those requirements, as a rental provider, you’ll have to comply with the tenant’s request. Still, they need your consent before making any changes.
FAQs
Q. What are landlords required to provide in a rental property?
To meet the minimum standards of housing, landlords should provide the following in their properties:
- Weatherproof and structurally sound real estate
- Adequate plumbing and drainage
- Bathroom privacy
- hot water
- heat alarms
- Mould and pest-free premises
- Window coverings
- Functioning cooktop, if a kitchen is provided
Q. What isn’t required from landlords?
Generally, landlords aren’t required to provide their renters with items outside the minimum housing standard. Some of these include:
- Kitchen heaters
- Electrical appliances
- Light bulbs
- Window screens
- Laundry machines (laundry fixtures are mandatory, though)
That said, these regulations may vary from one state to another. So, check with your local residential laws to ensure you meet the necessary requirements for renting a property.
Q. What can tenants install in a rental property without their landlord’s consent?
Although installing screen doors requires your landlord’s consent, you can still make some modifications without needing their permission. These include installing:
- Picture hooks
- LED light globes unless they require new fittings
- A water-efficient showerhead
- Blinds
- Child-safety gates and locks
Again, these regulations can vary from one state to another. So, check with local authorities before proceeding with the modifications.
Wrapping Up
So, do landlords have to provide screen doors?
While not mandatory, installing screen doors offers many benefits. These include bug prevention, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced security—all of which boost your property’s value.
That said, in the case of security concerns, landlords may need to provide screen doors if requested by the tenants.
The good news is that the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Pacific Property Management simplifies it all. Let us handle upgrades and paperwork to ensure your property meets the highest standards. So, contact us to get your free information pack today!