Big news for tenants and landlords across Queensland! From Sunday, 1 September 2024, new minimum housing standards will come into effect, ensuring rental properties meet specific safety, security, and functionality requirements.
These new standards go beyond the existing laws, which already require rental properties to be fit for living and well-maintained. They provide a clear and detailed set of expectations that must be met by all rental properties.
Antonia Mercorella, CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), expressed strong support for the new guidelines, describing them as a "win-win" for tenants, landlords, and property managers alike.
“These new standards set a reasonable benchmark, ensuring that rental properties offer safety, security, and privacy,” said Ms Mercorella. She added that the guidelines would help avoid disputes over repairs or maintenance, which can sometimes create friction between tenants and property owners.
One example she highlighted was the requirement for all external doors and windows to have functional locks. Additionally, window coverings—such as blinds, curtains, or tinting—must be provided in rooms where privacy is expected, ensuring tenants' peace of mind.
The REIQ has been advocating for these improvements since 2016, seeking more specific and enforceable standards for rental properties. With a transition period leading up to this change, Ms Mercorella reassured property owners that most rentals should already be compliant.
“These standards shouldn't come as a surprise—landlords and property managers have had ample time to prepare,” she said. "We've been working with property managers to educate them, and they, in turn, have informed their clients about the upcoming changes."
However, Ms Mercorella warned that landlords who manage their properties independently may face challenges due to a lack of awareness or non-compliance.
“Unfortunately, some properties may not meet these basic safety requirements. For those cases, there will be harsher penalties, and QCAT may step in to prevent properties from being rented out until they meet the necessary standards,” she cautioned.
Ultimately, the new minimum housing standards are designed to safeguard tenants, protect property owners from liability, and elevate the overall quality of rental homes in Queensland.
For more details on the standards, both tenants and landlords can reach out to the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA).