Minimum housing standards came into effect for new tenancies from 1 September 2023.
This means 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.
The new standards apply to all types of tenancies, including general tenancies, moveable dwellings, and rooming accommodation agreements.
According to the Residential Tenancy Authority (RTA), minimum housing standards aim to ensure all Queensland rental properties are safe, secure and reasonably functional.
The new standards complement existing legislation, which states that a property must be fit to live in, in good repair and compliant with health and safety laws.
To meet minimum housing standards, the rental property will need to meet stringent criteria, including:
- have privacy coverings for windows in all rooms where the tenant could reasonably expect privacy, such as bedrooms
- provide privacy in bathroom areas
- include the necessary fixtures for a functional laundry, such as tap fixtures and adequate plumbing, if laundry facilities are provided
- have functioning locks or latches on all external doors and windows that can be reached from outside the premises without a ladder.
The new standards remind tenants that throughout the tenancy, the tenant is responsible for keeping the rental property clean and for not intentionally damaging the property.
