New minimum housing standards will come into effect for new tenancies in Queensland from September 1, 2023, and for all other tenancies from September 1, 2024. These standards are designed to ensure that all rental properties meet a basic level of quality and are safe and habitable for tenants.
The minimum housing standards cover a range of issues, including:
- The size of the rental property: The rental property must be of a reasonable size for the number of people living there.
- The condition of the property: The rental property must be weatherproof, structurally sound, and in good repair.
- The provision of essential services: The rental property must have access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and heating and cooling.
- The safety of the property: The rental property must be free from hazards, such as exposed wiring, peeling paint, and broken windows.
- The privacy of the tenant: The rental property must have curtains or blinds on windows that provide privacy to the tenant.
If a rental property does not meet the minimum housing standards, the tenant can request that the landlord make the necessary repairs. If the landlord does not make the repairs, the tenant may be able to break the tenancy agreement and move out.
The minimum housing standards are a positive step towards ensuring that all rental properties in Queensland are safe and habitable for tenants. They will give tenants more peace of mind and make renting a more fair and equitable experience.
Here are some additional details about the minimum housing standards:
- The size of the rental property: The minimum size of a rental property will vary depending on the number of people living there. For example, a two-bedroom rental property must be at least 60 square meters in size.
- The condition of the property: The rental property must be weatherproof, structurally sound, and in good repair. This means that the roof must not leak, the windows and doors must not be broken, and the walls and floors must not be damaged.
- The provision of essential services: The rental property must have access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and heating and cooling. This means that the property must have a working water supply, a toilet, and a shower. It must also have a way to heat and cool the property, such as a heater or air conditioner.
- The safety of the property: The rental property must be free from hazards, such as exposed wiring, peeling paint, and broken windows. This means that the property must be safe for tenants to live in and that there are no risks of injury.
- The privacy of the tenant: The rental property must have curtains or blinds on windows that provide privacy to the tenant. This means that tenants should be able to close the curtains or blinds in their bedrooms and bathrooms to ensure their privacy.
If you are a tenant, it is important to be aware of the minimum housing standards and to know your rights. You can find more information about the minimum housing standards on the website of the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA).
