From September 1st, 2024, all rental properties in Queensland must meet the newly implemented Minimum Housing Standards. These standards are designed to ensure that every rental property is safe, secure, and functional for tenants. It’s crucial for property owners to stay vigilant and address any maintenance issues promptly to avoid potential disputes or actions from tenants.

What Are the Minimum Housing Standards?

The Minimum Housing Standards build on existing legislation, which already requires that rental properties be fit to live in, in good repair, and compliant with health and safety laws. Here’s a quick overview of what’s required:

Safety And Security

•  be weatherproof and structurally sound:
   o    the roofing or windows must prevent water entering the premises when it rains
  o    the floor, walls, ceiling, roof and any decks or stairs must not be likely to collapse because of a rot, defect, or significant dampness
• be in good repair, with fixtures and fittings (such as electrical appliances) that are not likely to cause injury through normal use
• have functioning locks or latches on all external doors and windows that can be reached from outside the premises without a ladder
• be free from vermin, damp, and mould (this does not include cases where vermin, damp or mould has been caused by the tenant)
• have privacy coverings for windows in all rooms where the tenant could reasonably expect privacy, such as bedrooms. Privacy coverings:
  o    for windows include blinds curtains, tinting and glass frosting
  o    do not apply if the line of sight of someone outside the property and someone inside the property is blocked, for example if the window is obstructed by a fence, a hedge, tree, or other feature of the property.

Reasonable Functionality

The property must:

• have adequate plumbing and drainage for the number of people occupying the premises
• be connected to a water supply service or other infrastructure that supplies hot and cold water suitable for drinking
• provide privacy in bathroom areas
• have toilets that are all flushable and refillable, and connected to a sewer, septic tank or other waste disposal system
• have a functioning cooktop, if a kitchen is provided
• 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.

What Happens If Your Property Doesn’t Meet These Standards?

If your property doesn’t meet the Minimum Housing Standards, tenants have several options depending on whether the issue arises before they move in or during their tenancy. It’s your responsibility as a property manager or owner to ensure that the property meets these standards from the start and throughout the tenancy.

Tenants are expected to inform you of any repairs needed. If the tenant’s actions cause the property to fall below these standards, you may issue a Notice to Remedy Breach (Form 11), and the tenant might be responsible for the cost of repairs.

We’re Here to Help

If you are one of our landlords, your Property Investment Manager will reach out to you in the coming weeks if there are any outstanding repairs or maintenance needs. We’ll work with you to address these issues promptly as part of our Risk Management Service, ensuring your property remains compliant and protected.

Not one of our clients and not sure if your investment property is compliant? Give us a call, and let us do a complete health check of your property.