The Seven Categories of Minimum Standards
Queensland's minimum housing standards cover seven categories: weatherproof and structurally sound; good repair; privacy; ventilation; mould and damp; functioning facilities; and safety.
A property that meets the weatherproof and structural standard must have a roof, external walls, windows, and doors that keep out the weather. The good repair standard requires that all fixtures, fittings, and appliances provided with the property are in working order. Privacy requires window coverings in all rooms. The mould and damp standard requires the property to be free from significant mould growth.
Assessing Your Property
An honest walkthrough of a Townsville rental property against these standards will identify most compliance issues quickly. Check every room for functioning window coverings. Check every external door and window for locks. Test fly screens. Look under sinks for moisture. Check for mould in bathrooms and laundry areas. Confirm smoke alarms are installed in the required positions.
Where issues are identified, prioritise them by urgency. Issues that create immediate safety or health risks should be addressed first.
The Consequence of Non-Compliance
A rental property that does not meet minimum housing standards can be the subject of a notice to remedy from QCAT. A landlord who fails to remedy the breach within the required timeframe faces penalties. A tenant may also have grounds to reduce rent or terminate the tenancy.
The standards set a reasonable baseline for the condition of a property that another person is being asked to pay to live in. Most well-maintained properties already meet them.
Contact The Rental Managers for a review of any managed property's compliance with the minimum housing standards.
