New minimum rental standards now in place in Queensland

MINIMUM standards for residential tenancies across Queensland fare now in place specifying must-have safety, security and property condition measures.

“These minimum housing standards set a reasonable benchmark for rental property conditions, and are crucial for ensuring tenant safety, security, and privacy,” said REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella.

“Ensuring that tenants and visitors can reside in the home safely is paramount, not only to protect them, but also to safeguard against potential liability risks for the property owner and property manager.

“We know that effective residential tenancy relationships are built on clear expectations and communication, and these minimum housing standards offer that greater level of clarity and certainty for everyone.

“This will help eliminate areas where delays and disputes may arise between a property owner and a tenant around whether a repair or an improvement is required.

“For example, minimum housing standards specify that external windows and doors must have functional locks, and that window coverings such as blinds, curtains, glass tinting or frosting, are provided in all rooms where privacy is reasonably expected.”

Ms Mercorella said most rental properties should already be compliant and up to scratch with the standards which came into force on Sunday 1 September.

“These standards should not come as a shock to property owners – there has been a transition period ahead of their commencement and the REIQ has used this time to educate property managers, who in turn have informed their clients,” she said.

“Often when a lessor is self-represented and they don’t have a property manager, that tends to be where we see problems emerging due to ignorance or the law, or perhaps even a flagrant disregard for the law.

“Sadly, there are some property owners who are offering properties that are neither safe or suitable for rent. In these cases, there are now harsher penalties and legislative ramifications where potentially QCAT could make an order preventing that property from being able to be rented out until it is brought up to standard.”

She said the REIQ had been a staunch advocate for the introduction of more robust and specific legislation surrounding minimum housing standards.

“We have consistently called for clearer, more precise legislation that remove the shades of grey and defines the minimum housing standards for rental properties,” she said.

A checklist to the minimum standards has been drawn up REIQ here