What You Need To Know About QLD’s New Minimum Rental Standards
If you own an investment property in Queensland, no doubt you’re aware of the new legislation coming into effect in relation to the Minimum Housing Standards later this year. As one of Brisbane’s leading property management specialists, we want to let you know what this means for you as a landlord/property investor.
Summary
So how will it affect you? Well, as long as you’re a responsible property owner, not much all! These new minimum housing standards guarantee all Queensland rental properties are safe and functional, which you are likely already doing.
The standards also offer more clarity for property owners, managers, and tenants, providing a positive experience for everyone. This blog breaks them down to help you understand new developments and ensure you’re compliant.
If you have any queries or would like further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us — we would be happy to chat.
Minimum Housing Standards in Queensland
All property owners in the Queensland area must adhere to the following minimum housing standards starting on September 1, 2023 (for new tenancies, including tenancies being renewed) and September 1, 2024 (for all tenancies):
Weatherproof and Structurally Sound Buildings
The Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority defines “weatherproof and structurally sound” according to these criteria:
- Roofing and windows must prevent water from entering the building when it rains.
- Walls, ceilings, and roofs must be in good condition, meaning they’re unlikely to collapse or be affected by severe dampness.
- Decks and stairs must be safe and not rotten or defective.
All these factors contribute to a safe building for the tenant(s).
Safe and Functioning Fixtures and Fittings
The property’s fixtures and fittings, including electrical appliances and cooktops, must be functioning and in good repair. They should not be likely to cause injury with everyday, appropriate use.
Functioning Locks and Latches
All locks and latches on external doors and windows must function correctly. This guideline applies to all doors and windows that can be reached without a ladder.
The Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority also specifies that each property owner’s primary focus should be keeping the property secure and showing that they’ve taken reasonable measures to keep tenants safe.
Curtains and Window Coverings
In areas where tenants can reasonably expect privacy, such as bedrooms, property owners are required to provide curtains or window coverings, such as blinds, tinted windows, or glass frosting.
Privacy coverings are not required for windows blocked by fences, hedges, trees, or other property features.
Free from Damp, Mould, and Vermin
All properties should be free from damp, mould, and vermin. However, this rule does not apply in situations where the tenant has created an environment that causes vermin to enter or dampness/mould to occur.
Sufficient Plumbing and Drainage
Property owners should ensure all homes and apartments have sufficient plumbing and drainage, as well as functioning water heaters. They should also be connected to suitable drinking water.
Privacy in Bathroom Areas
Every rental home and apartment should provide tenants with sufficient privacy in bathroom areas. All bathrooms should also have flushable toilets that are connected to a septic tank, sewer, or another waste disposal system.
Include Necessary Laundry Fixtures
If laundry facilities are provided, property owners must include the necessary fixtures for a functional laundry, including tap fixtures and adequate plumbing.
The laundry area does not have to include a washing machine or other white goods, as tenants may provide these themselves).
Who Is Responsible for Repairs During Tenancy?
Property owners must make changes or repairs to ensure their houses or apartments comply with Queensland’s new minimum housing standards. However, there may be some confusion about who is responsible for handling repairs to issues that occur after a renter has moved in.
When Are Owners Responsible?
Responsibility for repairs largely depends on the cause of the damage. Let’s use the case of mould, damp, or vermin as an example.
Say mould, damp, or vermin appear during a person’s tenancy. The tenant must notify the property manager or owner as soon as possible.
If, upon further inspection, the property structure is the cause of the issue (for example, the roof is leaking), the property manager or owner is responsible for arranging and paying for the repairs.
When Are Tenants Responsible?
On the other hand, say the tenant’s actions have caused the issue. In this case, they are responsible for repairing them.
Here are some examples of the tenant’s actions causing the problem:
- The tenant has not adequately ventilated or cleaned the bathroom, causing mould to grow
- Insufficient cleaning has attracted vermin to the property
The tenant must arrange and pay to rectify the problem in these or other similar situations.
What About Normal Wear and Tear?
If a tenant neglects the property or fails to take reasonable action to maintain it (as in the examples listed above), it’s their job to repair the damage. However, they’re not responsible for issues caused by “reasonable use of the property.”
For example, say the shower begins to leak, or the cooktop stops working. These cases are examples of normal wear and tear. The property manager or owner is responsible for fixing these problems and maintaining a safe, livable space for their tenants.
Where to Begin?
Well fortunately, many property owners in the Queensland area already abide by these guidelines and meet minimum housing standards, meaning it’s quite likely you won’t have to stress about them.
However, to be sure that’s the case, it’s a good idea to arrange an inspection of your house or apartment and identify potential issues that you need to address before September 1, 2023, or 2024.
Partner with a Property Manager
Don’t have time to organise inspections or facilitate repairs? If this is the case for you, consider saving yourself some time and partnering with am expert property management company.
A property manager will do the heavy lifting for you, from inspections to scheduling repairs. They’ll ensure you keep up with the new changes to minimum housing standards, freeing you up to focus on other responsibilities!
Need Help With Your Property?
If you're dedicated to upholding the highest standards of living for your Queensland rental property, but don’t have time to keep up with the latest changes, consider partnering with a reputable property management company.
Aurora Realty Brisbane proudly delivers top-tier property management services, designed to help you mitigate risks, boost returns, reduce vacancies, and experience enhanced peace of mind. Chat with our experts today to learn more.