From September 1, 2023, new tenancies laws in Queensland come into effect. This is to ensure that tenants are protected from unscrupulous landlords who may be letting a property that is substandard. With the demand for rental properties far exceeding supply, not all rental properties available have been up to standard. This new legislation will offer renters the protection that any property they apply for will meet minimum housing standards.
MINIMUM HOUSING STANDARDS
The aim of the new legislation is to ensure that all rental properties are safe, secure, and functional. All new tenancy arrangements from September 1, 2023, must comply with new minimum housing standards. Existing tenancy arrangements have until September 1, 2024, to be compliant.
Not only will this provide the tenant with security about the property but provides clarity on the maintenance issues for the property manager and owner.
SPECIFICS FOR MINIMUM HOUSING STANDARDS
The Residential Rental Authority – New Tenancy Laws has provided the specifics for minimum housing standards a rental property must comply with:
- be weatherproof and structurally sound
- 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 without a ladder
- be free from vermin, damp and mould (this does not include cases where the vermin, damp or mould has been caused by the tenant)
- include curtains or other window coverings, which provide privacy in rooms where the tenant might reasonably expect it, such as bedrooms
- have adequate plumbing and drainage and be connected to hot and cold water that is suitable for drinking
- provide privacy in bathroom areas and have flushable toilets connected to a sewer, septic tank or other waste disposal system
- have a functioning cook-top, 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.
INSPECTIONS FOR MINIMUM HOUSING STANDARDS
For property managers and landlords, we can offer inspections for minimum housing standards compliance. Having a completed inspection checklist on hand from a highly respected building and pest inspection company will not only indicate that you are meeting your obligations but doing so to a high standard.
INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Our inspection checklist will include photos if applicable which will be emailed to you the same day. The cost for a minimum housing standards inspection checklist range from $180 for a unit to $250 for a standard-sized home. Larger properties will be priced on application.
We appreciate this is an added burden to being a property manager or landlord. Having a record of being prompt, professional and friendly we can make this aspect of your workload seamless.
We can liaise directly with the tenants and if they are not able to be contacted, we will require an entry notice and the use of the key held in your office.
BOOK A MINIMUM HOUSING STANDARDS INSPECTION
Simply call us on 1300 304 145 to book an inspection. We will provide a quote for the inspection when you call.
We service all of Brisbane, Moreton Bay Region, Redlands, Ipswich, Logan City, and Gold Coast North. So if you have rental properties in a host of locations, we can take care of all the inspections for you.