Minimum Housing Standards - Matthiew Hogg Property

1 September 2023 saw the start of Spring and the commencement of the next phase of the Tenancy Laws with the introduction of minimum housing standards for rental properties in Queensland.

You may be wondering what this all means, here is a brief summary.

From 1 September, if a new Tenancy Agreement is signed or renewed, the rental property must meet certain standards known as minimum housing standards which includes the property needs to be safe, secure and reasonably functional.

All remaining tenancies will have the minimum housing standards apply from 1 September 2024 giving landlords time to schedule and budget for work required to ensure their property complies with the new legislation.

Existing legislation requires rental properties to be fit to live in, in good repair and compliant with health and safety laws. The introduction of the minimum housing standards is an addition to the existing legislation that was already in place.

The Department of Housing has provided a brief outline of the minimum housing standards that have come into effect from 1 September 2023:

The premises is to be weather proof and structurally sound
Fixtures and fittings need to be in good repair and not likely to cause injury to a person
Locks on windows and doors
The premises to be free of vermin, damp and mould
Privacy coverings
Adequate plumbing and drainage
Functioning kitchen and laundry facilities (where supplied)

Video created by Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA).

These new housing standards apply to all types of tenancies including rooming style accommodation.

The RTA website has extensive information including videos and fact sheets regarding the new changes.

The introduction of the housing standards will benefit both landlords and tenants. Landlords will be able to attract and retain high-quality tenants to their property, whilst tenants will have the benefit of living in a property that is not compromising on safety and wellbeing.

If you have questions regarding any aspect of real estate, or want to know more about the new minimum housing standards and impacts on your rental property, please get in touch. We love chatting about real estate and are here to help.