The new Minimum Housing Standards set out by the QLD Government aim to ensure all Queensland rental properties are safe, secure and functional.

These new standards came into effect for new tenancies from 1 September 2023, meaning if a tenancy agreement is signed or renewed from this date, the property must meet minimum housing standards. Minimum housing standards will come into effect for all remaining tenancies on 1 September 2024.

These new standards apply to all types of tenancies, including general tenancies, moveable dwellings, and rooming accommodation agreements.

Renters can have confidence their rental property is safe, secure and functional through prescribed Minimum Housing Standards which require:

  • The premises to be weatherproof and structurally sound.
    Weatherproof means the roofing or windows must prevent water from entering the premises when it rains. Structurally sound means the building must be safe for the tenant to live in. The walls, ceiling and roof must be in good condition. They must not be likely to collapse or be affected by significant dampness. Decks and stairs must also be safe and not affected by rot or defects.
  • Fixtures and fittings to be in good repair and not likely to cause injury to a person.
    This includes electrical appliances. It must not be likely to cause injury to a person through the ordinary se of the fixtures and fittings.
  • Functioning locks or latches on windows and doors.
    To meet minimum housing standards, all external windows and doors at a property will need to have functioning locks or latches to secure the premises against unauthorised entry. This applies only to windows and doors a person outside the premises or room (for rooming accommodation) could access without a ladder.
    Each property should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The main focus should be on ensuring the rental property is secure and that reasonable measures have been taken to meet safety and security requirements under the legislation.
  • The premises to be free of vermin, damp and mould.
    If mould, damp or vermin appears in a rental property during the tenancy, the tenant should notify the property manager/owner as soon as they are aware of the issue.
    If the issue is caused by problems with the structure of the property, the property manager/owner is responsible for fixing it and making any necessary repairs. Examples could include mould caused by a leaking roof or a termite infestation in the walls. The property manager/owner is also responsible for fixing any issues that are caused by reasonable use of the property. Examples would include a leaking shower which cannot be turned off or a stove top that does not work
    If the issue is caused by the actions of the tenant, the tenant is responsible for any necessary repairs. Examples could include mould caused by the tenant allowing steam to build up in a bathroom and not properly ventilating or cleaning the area, or a vermin problem which may have been caused because the actions of the tenant attracted the animals to the property.
  • Privacy coverings.
    Privacy coverings must be provided in rooms where the tenant might reasonably expect it, such as in bedrooms. Privacy coverings can include blinds, curtains, tinted windows, and glass frosting. Privacy coverings are not required for windows which are blocked from outside view by a fence, hedge, tree, or other feature of the property.
  • Adequate plumbing and drainage.
    Must be connected to a water supply service or other infrastructure that supplies hot and cold water suitable for drinking.
  • The bathrooms and toilets must be private, toilets must function as designed and be connected.
    Each toilet must function as designed, including flushing and refilling, and be connected to a sewer, septic system, or other waste disposal system.
  • Functioning kitchen and laundry facilities (where supplied).
    Include the necessary fixtures for a functional laundry, such as tap fixtures and adequate plumbing, if laundry facilities are provided. The laundry does not have to include a washing machine or other white goods, as these may be provided by the tenant.
    Kitchen must include a functioning cook top.

 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to discuss your property’s needs!

To find out more about how these laws affect you can visit the following resources form the RTA and the REIQ;

https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/rental-law-changes

https://www.reiq.com/articles/property-management/minimum-housing-standards-are-you-prepared