# Can renters install an air conditioner in Queensland? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) 4. Can renters install an air conditioner in Queensland? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Can renters install an air conditioner in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/rental-body-corporate-air-conditioner-queensland/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? 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By Amanda Cooper, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. Can a renter install an air conditioner in Queensland? 2. What do apartment and townhouse owners need? 3. What about portable units? 4. Who is responsible for repairs to an existing air conditioner? 5. What if my request is refused? 6. What should I include in a request? 7. What to prepare before you ask 8. What does the installation involve? 9. Frequently asked questions Renters generally need the owner’s written approval before a fixed air conditioner is installed, and apartment or townhouse owners usually need body corporate approval because the outdoor unit and pipes often sit on common property. Check your tenancy agreement or by-laws first, then use licensed installers. ## Can a renter install an air conditioner in Queensland? A fixed split system is a fixture, meaning it is attached to the property. The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) in Queensland has a fact sheet on fixtures and structural changes in rental properties, which explains that tenants need to ask the owner or property manager and receive approval, ideally in writing, before making this kind of change. If the property is in a body corporate scheme, the by-laws may also require approval from the body corporate, and the owner or agent may need to pass your request on. You can read the [RTA fact sheet](https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-04/Fact-sheet-fixture-and-structural-changes-in-rental-properties.pdf) for the process and timeframes. ## What do apartment and townhouse owners need? In a body corporate (strata) scheme, the outdoor unit, pipes and sometimes the penetrations through walls or balconies affect common property or the look of the building. Many schemes have by-laws about where units can go, how they look, noise and who is responsible for them. Strata managers advise getting approval in writing before any work starts. If you install without approval, you may be asked to remove or fix the work. The approval process and any limits are set by your scheme’s by-laws, so ask your body corporate manager. ## What about portable units? A portable unit that plugs into a power point and does not need fixed installation is a different matter, but check your lease and by-laws for any rules on windows, balconies or noise. Use licensed people and stay safe Whoever pays, installation must be done by an ARC-licensed technician for the refrigerant work and a licensed electrician for the electrical connection. If an existing unit shows a burning smell, smoke or sparks, leave the building and call 000, then tell the owner or agent. ## Who is responsible for repairs to an existing air conditioner? This depends on your tenancy agreement and the circumstances. If the air conditioner was provided with the property, tenants should report faults to the owner or agent rather than arranging repairs themselves. Do not arrange a repair or open the unit yourself. Keep records of your requests and the responses. ## What if my request is refused? Ask for the reason in writing. The RTA can explain tenants’ and owners’ rights and responsibilities, and its fact sheet is a good starting point. A body corporate may allow installation with conditions, such as an approved location or a licensed installer. ## What should I include in a request? Describe the type of unit, where the indoor and outdoor units would go, who will install it and their licence details, who will pay, and what happens at the end of the tenancy. Written details make approval easier. ## What to prepare before you ask 1. Read the rules — Read your tenancy agreement or the scheme’s by-laws, and note what they say about fixtures, balconies and noise. 2. Gather details — Photograph the proposed locations, and note the make and model of any unit you plan to install. 3. Get a licensed quote — Ask a licensed installer for a written quote and their licence details to include with the request. What you can safely check Read your agreement, the RTA information or the by-laws, and write your request. Do not start any installation work before approval. ### What does the installation involve? Licensed people mount the units, make the pipe and electrical connections and commission the system. Ask for the paperwork and give a copy to the owner or agent. ## Frequently asked questions - The RTA fact sheet explains the process and what to ask. If you are unsure of your rights, contact the RTA. - Usually, if the unit or pipes affect common property. Check your by-laws and get approval in writing. - That depends on the agreement with the owner. Settle it in writing before installation. - Report it to the owner or agent. Do not try to repair it yourself. [Learn about Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/) Related services: [Ducted Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/ducted-air-conditioning/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Australian Refrigeration Council](https://www.arctick.org/) - [Energy Rating (Australian Government)](https://www.energyrating.gov.au/) - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [Air conditioningCan I install an air conditioner myself in Australia?No. Installation involves refrigerant that needs an ARC licence and an electrical connection that needs a licensed electrician.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/install-air-conditioner-myself-australia/) - [Air conditioningShould I choose a split system or ducted air conditioning?Split systems suit one or a few rooms, while ducted systems suit whole-home comfort if the roof or floor space allows, so get an on-site assessment.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/split-system-vs-ducted-air-conditioning/) - [Air conditioningWhat size air conditioner do I need for my room or home?The right kW size depends on room size, ceiling height, sun, insulation and layout, so a licensed professional should assess it.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-size-air-conditioner-do-i-need/) - [Air conditioningWhat affects how much it costs to run an air conditioner?Running costs depend on your electricity plan, how long and how hard the unit runs, its efficiency and size, and your home.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-affects-air-conditioner-running-costs/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. Can a renter install an air conditioner in Queensland? 2. What do apartment and townhouse owners need? 3. What about portable units? 4. Who is responsible for repairs to an existing air conditioner? 5. What if my request is refused? 6. What should I include in a request? 7. What to prepare before you ask 8. What does the installation involve? 9. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/rental-body-corporate-air-conditioner-queensland/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).