In most agreements, the tenant must keep everything in reasonable repair. If the owner provides essential plant and equipment, the lease should make it perfectly clear who is responsible for maintaining that plant and equipment.

If major improvements to the property are needed, the landowner has the option of hiring a tradesperson or paying the tenant for their labour. If a tenant's repairs to fixtures constitute an improvement, landowners usually provide the materials and the tenant provides the labour.

Unless special provisions are included in the lease agreement, tenants must leave behind any improvements that are not legally removable. To encourage tenants to undertake improvements, the lease agreement could include adjustments to the rent after specific improvements made by tenants.